EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Aug. 8 (UPI) -- A sixth Boeing Wideband Global SATCOM satellite for the U.S. Air Force was launched Wednesday on a Delta V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
The satellite will provide 4.875 GHz of instantaneous switchable bandwidth (X- and Ka-band) protected communications capability and features shapeable and steerable spot beams that can be reconfigured for user needs.
"The demand for wideband satellite communications continues to increase," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems. "WGS-6 and the additional WGS spacecraft yet to be launched will help to meet that need."
WGS satellites are for use by the U.S. military, the Australian Defense Force and other allied militaries for enhanced tactical command and control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance combat support information. They complement the current Defense Satellite Communications System.
The Air Force recently contracted Boeing to build the seventh WGS satellite.
Wednesday's WGS launch was the second this year.
