(U) Advanced Wideband Satellite (AWS)

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U) The Advanced Wideband Satellite (AWS) will be acquired to continue wideband fixed-to-fixed communications and  tactical unprotected service now performed by  Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS), and also Global Broadcast Service (GBS) capabilities provided by UHF Follow-on (UFO) satellites 8, 9, and 10.  The AWS program is conceived to be three DoD-owned, high capacity, commercial-like satellites to be launched beginning in 2008.  These satellites will include high capacity SHF, a GBS package comparable to that on UFOs 8, 9, & 10, and a two way Ka-band that will assist the DoD in moving to a future MILSATCOM architecture dominated by Ka-band communications.  This capability, when combined with Defense Satellite Communications System Service Life Extension Program (DSCS SLEP) and GBS will provide a dramatic increase in tactical capability for the warfighter.  The AWS will more directly replace both the SHF/Ka Wideband Gapfiller satellites and the UFO GBS segments.  Consideration is being given to procuring a fourth gapfiller satellite.  

Description: (U)
(U) The Advanced Wideband Satellite (AWS) program is conceived of as three DoD-owned, high capacity, commercial-like satellites to be launched beginning in 2004.  These satellites will include high capacity SHF, a GBS package comparable to that on UFOs 8, 9, & 10, and a two way Ka-band.  The Ka-band system will provide protected communications that will assist the DoD in moving to a future MILSATCOM architecture dominated by Ka-band communications.  The GBS provides worldwide fully capable wideband communications capabilities to address long term DoD needs in information transmission, reception, and handling. The funding in the current Advanced SHF/Ka program will cover the space segment costs for this program.  This gapfiller capability, when combined with DSCS SLEP and GBS will provide a dramatic increase in tactical capability.  The decision to use a commercial-like wideband system was reached after it was determined that no commercial system was mature enough to support critical warfighter requirements.  This gapfiller option will permit the DoD to exploit the commercial market as it matures.  Consideration is being given to procuring a fourth gapfiller satellite.  Part of the rationale for the SHF gapfiller option included exploitation of current and planned terminal programs.  The satellite will be designed to be launched on a Medium Launch Vehicle (MLV).

User Impact: (U)
(U) The Advanced Wideband System, when combined with DSCS SLEP and GBS, will provide a dramatic increase in tactical capability for the warfighter.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Programmable.
	(U) IOC: 10/2007 (1QFY2008).

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) AN/WSC-6(V)X, DSCS II, DSCS III, DSCS Service Life Enhance Prog, EELV (MLV), GBS Phase II, GBS Terminals, Lightwt Multi-band Sat Terminal, Single Channel Transponder Sys, STAR-T, UHF Next Generation Satellite, Wideband Gapfiller

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) MILSATCOM, SHF Satellite Systems, Space-Based Warning

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) Major DoD Space Programs, MILSATCOM, National Security Space Road Map.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Air Force.

Date of Information: (U)
04 September 1997

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)