As directed by Congress, Space Power to procure wideband communications satellite
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Place Drive will use funds that Congress included to the 2023 defense spending budget to acquire a wideband communications satellite designed by Boeing, a spokesperson verified Feb. 7.
The new geostationary satellite, to be named WGS-12, will be the 12th of the Wideband Global Satcom constellation that presents communications companies to the U.S. military and allies.
The House Pressure did not ask for funding for a wideband satellite in the 2023 funds but Congress yet extra $442 million, an action reminiscent of the 2018 defense appropriations monthly bill when Congress inserted $600 million for WGS-11.
“The $442 million was additional to the WGS application factor to procure a WGS-12, which will be a construct-to-print of WGS-11,” a Area Devices Command spokesperson instructed SpaceNews by using email.
The 2023 appropriations bill did not specially direct the Room Power to get one more WGS satellite although it is implied. It directs the provider to “procure a secured wideband satellite to deliver resilient, jam resistant tactical communications to help warfighter desires.”
Defense appropriations for many years have lifted problems about a shortage of satellite communications potential for military services consumers, specifically individuals who need large concentrations of safety.
Underneath a House Force deal, Boeing and Northrop Grumman are creating upcoming-era armed forces communications payloads recognized as safeguarded tactical satcom, or PTS. In accordance to sources, lawmakers were involved the PTS software would choose much too prolonged to develop and discipline, which prompted the decision to add money for a wideband satellite.
The $442 million will spend for the satellite and does not cover launch fees. Protection appropriators questioned the House Drive to report again on how it programs to fund the launch.
The Space Pressure stated last yr it was negotiating a expense-sharing settlement with worldwide end users of the WGS constellation to fund the start of WGS-11. Presumably a related settlement would be pursued for WGS-12.
The WGS constellation supports the militaries of Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Norway. The U.S. also has a individual bilateral arrangement with Australia. Two new spouse nations are in conversations to sign up for the coalition but their identities have not however been disclosed.
Boeing is making WGS-11 at its manufacturing facility in El Segundo, California. The Place Drive awarded the firm a $605 million contract in Oct 2019. Boeing explained it plans to produce the satellite in 2024.
Boeing has been the WGS key contractor considering the fact that 2001. The very first satellite was introduced in 2007.
