The U.S. Air Force is preparing to launch the third Boeing Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) communications satellite Dec. 2 from a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle.

This will be the first WGS to launch on the Delta IV.

Boeing is slated to conduct testing on the spacecraft while it is in a test position in orbit for about three weeks. This will be followed by about one month needed to shift the satellite into its operational orbit supporting forces in Europe and Africa, says Col. William Harding, vice commander of the military satellite communications systems wing at Space and Missiles Systems Center in Los Angeles. Finally, the Air Force will require about three weeks for payload calibration. The system is expected to be ready for operations in February.

WGS 3, the final Block I satellite of its type worth about $350 million, will join WGS 1 in service for U.S. Pacific Command, and WGS 2, servicing Central Command (including Iraq and Afghanistan).

Three Block II satellites are in various stages of manufacture at Boeing's El Segundo, Calif., facility, says Mark Spiwak, Boeing's WGS program manager.

The WGS spacecraft are being added to the existing Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) satellites already in orbit and providing wideband communications. Each WGS spacecraft is said to provide 10 times the amount of bandwidth of a single DSCS bird.

WGS is designed to handle X- and Ka-band communications, and to allow users communicating in one band to talk with others using another. Over Central Command, WGS is providing Global Broadcast System services, akin to DIRECTV, to soldiers there. It is also being used to relay high-bandwidth video from Predator and Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles operating in support of ground soldiers.

The Block II satellites will include a capability to relay this UAV data through the spacecraft while bypassing its dechannelizer, providing more throughput for customers, Spiwak says.

Air Force officials say eight DSCS satellites are operational and in orbit. These spacecraft are expected to remain in service for years, and some of them have enough fuel to continue operating beyond 2020, Air Force officials say. Though designed for 10 years of life, many have exceeded that threshold.

Six older vehicles have been placed in disposal orbits; one of these satellites is still used sometimes for test purposes.

Artist's concept of WGS 2: Air Force Space Command