[Satellite Today – 4-15-08] U.S. Strategic Command has taken command and control of WGS-1, the U.S. Air Force announced April 15.
    This milestone initiates the transition of operational users from the current Defense Satellite Communications System to the Department of Defense’s newest satellite communications system, WGS.  One WGS satellite alone will provide more communication capacity than the entire DSCS constellation currently on orbit.
    WGS will be the key element of a high-capacity satellite communications system designed to quickly disseminate large amounts of data to warfighters through two-way, point-to-point, multicast, and broadcast communications.  The WGS system will be a multi-spacecraft constellation providing network-centric communication capabilities for U.S. military forces and allies around the world.
    "The men and women of the Wideband Satcom Group are honored to be able to bring the unprecedented capability of WGS to the deployed warfighters," said Col. Donald W. Robbins, Commander, Wideband SATCOM Group in a statement. "The success of WGS-1 is a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and expertise of the entire Wideband Satcom team."