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Working with Boeing, Harris is developing the Ka-band antennas for the next generation Wideband Global System (WGS). The 10 steerable, solid graphite offset antennas on each satellite provide the critical communications link to user terminals, enabling WGS satellites to securely transmit and receive digital-quality voice, data and imagery. The WGS Ka-band antennas will be ready to integrate onto the Boeing 702 satellite bus, providing a relatively simple plug-and-play interface. On the ground segment, Harris is performing engineering and technical support work to ensure that existing ground terminals will be compatible with new WGS satellite communications payloads. The WGS program will augment DoD communications services currently provided by the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS), which provides super high frequency (SHF) wideband communications, and the Global Broadcast Service (GBS), which uses direct broadcast satellite technology to provide critical information to U.S. military and allied forces. With an initial launch in early 2004, WGS will serve as a bridge to the Advanced Wideband Satellite system, a high-capacity tactical communications system currently planned for the 2009 time frame.
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