[Satellite TODAY 02-01-12] ASC Signal has been awarded a $1 million contract for the first three phases to build up to 100 3.7-meter, X-band antenna systems supporting global government communications, the company confirmed Jan. 31.
   The fixed, tracking antennas were designed to communicate with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) constellation in the X-band frequency. The antenna systems, including ASC’s Next Generation Controller (NGC) antenna controller, are in the process of certification by the U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) for operation with the WGS satellites.
   “The U.S. government is looking for state-of-the art satellite technology that will ensure reliable communications wherever users are deployed. Working as we do with system integrator partners and prime contractors, we continue to see the need for these robust, high-performing antenna products to support critical defense applications. As we develop future antenna technology, including expanding our multi-band systems and designing increased mobility, we will continue to extend the availability of our commercial products to enhance warfighter communications,” ASC Signal President and CEO Keith Buckley said in a statement.