Strategic Command has taken use of the military's newest Wideband Global SATCOM satellite that will bridge the Atlantic for communications between the U.S. and deployed forces overseas.

An artist's concept of the satellite. Credit: Boeing

The WGS 3 spacecraft blasted off from Cape Canaveral atop a United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket on December 5, then underwent maneuvers to reach geosynchronous orbit 22,300 miles above the equator.

It was positioned over the Eastern Atlantic at an orbital slot of 12 degrees West longitude, employing a broad reach to serve U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, plus lending additional support to the Middle East.

The Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles accepted delivery of the satellite from builder Boeing on March 1 following the initial on-orbit testing period. After being readied for service over the past few months, combatant command authority was transferred to Strategic Command, officials announced Friday.

"I am proud of the tremendous dedication and commitment of the Military Satellite Communications Wideband Group, as we field this critical communication capability," said Col. Don Robbins, group commander. "The success of WGS 3 is a testament to the professionalism and expertise of the entire Wideband SATCOM team."

The WGS 3 satellite. Credit: Boeing

The Boeing-built satellite is the third launched to upgrade to the military's main communications infrastructure, replacing the aging Defense Satellite Communications System spacecraft. Each WGS has 10 times the capacity of a DSCS satellite, allowing users to process and receive data quicker than ever before.

WGS 1 entered service in 2008 to cover the vast Pacific Command that stretches from the U.S. western coast all the way to Southeast Asia. The WGS 2 satellite was placed into operation last year over the Indian Ocean for use by Central Command to provide coverage for the warfighters in Afghanistan, Iraq and other parts of Southwest Asia.

The satellites supply communications such as maps and data to soldiers on the battlefield, relay video from unmanned aerial reconnaissance drones, route voice calls and data messaging, and even offer quality-of-life considerations like television broadcasts and email delivery to the troops.

"Knowledge is power, especially on the battlefield, where the ability to quickly communicate large amounts of information can make a world of difference to mission success," Robbins said. "With their wide bandwidth and high throughput, WGS satellites are game-changers that give our warfighters a distinct advantage."

At least three more WGS satellites will be launched in the coming years. The next is targeted for liftoff in late 2011 by another ULA Delta 4 rocket.