Environmental Impact Analysis Process, Environmental Assessment U.S. Air Force Wideband Gapfiller Satellite Program

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Environmental Impact Analysis Process, Environmental Assessment U.S. Air Force Wideband Gapfiller Satellite Program

The Department of Defense (DoD) wideband satellite communication services are currently provided by a combination of Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) satellites and Global Broadcast System (GBS) packages hosted on Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Follow-On Satellites. These existing satellite systems will not meet the growing data rate communication requirements in the future. As the requirements continue to grow, the DSCS and UFO constellations are degrading. The DoD requires the Wideband Gapfiller Satellites (WGS) as an interim solution to maintain existing worldwide coverage of U.S. military communications support. The WGS Program will serve as part of a supplemental wideband communication system until development of the Advanced Wideband Satellite System that is expected to be fielded at the end of this decade. The MILSATCOM Joint Program Office (SMC/MCX) is considering the processing of up to six new commercial-like, wideband satellites that are launch-ready. The WGS satellites will be deployed using existing facilities at Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida (CCAS), beginning in 2004. The WGS satellites will be compatible with the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV). Three contractors are currently competing to develop and deliver WGS satellites to orbit. Contractors will be allowed to choose a satellite launch processing facility, either an existing commercial facility or a government-owned/ government operated facility, since satellite launch processing is part of the purchase package. SMC/MCX will take ownership of the satellite after each WGS satellite is in orbit.