USAF squadron takes control of WGS-9
The US Air Force’s (USAF) 4th Space Operations Squadron (4 SOPS) has taken over the operational control of the ninth Wideband Global SATCOM satellite (WGS-9), the USAF Space Command announced on 19 July.
As the backbone of the US military's global satellite communications, the WGS network provides flexible, high-capacity communications for US marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen, government agencies and international partners.
There are eight other WGS satellites currently orbiting in the constellation managed by 4 SOPS.Lt. Col. Armon Lansing, 4 SOPS commander, said: ‘Wideband communication provides the capability to send a large amount of data through space.
'Just like your typical ground systems: dial-up versus broadband versus fibre optic, as you step up your capability, you can get more data through the system. One WGS satellite has as much data throughput as the former defence support communication satellite system had in the entire constellation.’
The Boeing-built WGS-9 was launched into orbit in March. The spacecraft underwent rigorous orbit and payload testing before being handed over to the air force.
This marks the first time the newly merged 4 SOPS squadron has assumed control of a WGS satellite; previous assumptions of control happened under the recently deactivated 3rd Space Operations Squadron.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![EID to unveil new vehicle communication system at DSEI]()
EID to unveil new vehicle communication system at DSEI
The Portuguese company’s naval communications system is in service across more than a dozen countries. It has turned to its home nation for support in developing a new vehicle based C2 system.
-
![Chess Dynamics successfully demonstrates Vision4ce AI-driven tracker]()
Chess Dynamics successfully demonstrates Vision4ce AI-driven tracker
The Vision4ce Deep Embedded Feature Tracking (DEFT) technology software is designed to process video and images by blending traditional computer vision with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to present actionable information from complex environments.
-
![Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend]()
Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend
Persistent Systems has been cleared by National Security Agency (NSA) to transmit sensitive data on commercial networks. The devices are added to the NSA’s Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) component list which also includes other companies’ products providing the same security.
-
![UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release]()
UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release
The release of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) has been long promised as mid-year. It is possible it could be as early as 2 June although the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) continues to play its cards close to its chest.
-
![Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)]()
Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)
Intelsat outlines how its multi-orbit SATCOM architecture is enhancing connectivity and resilience for special operations forces operating in degraded and contested environments.
-
![US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts]()
US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts
Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) satellites are intended to provide early warning of missile launches from any location worldwide and new ground stations will result in expanded coverage of critical missile warning.
