The seventh Wideband Global Satellite communication spacecraft arrived at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., late last month in preparation for a July launch, space officials announced. WGS-7 is the first spacecraft procured under a commercial-style contract with Boeing that will save an estimated $100 million over the program, according to a June 17 release. The space vehicle is the fourth Block II configured WGS satellite that enables higher data transmission rates across the system’s simultaneous X and Ka communications bands. WGS-7 through WGS-10 are jointly funded by partners Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, gaining them access to the full WGS constellation. WGS-7 is slated for launch aboard an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle-class Delta IV rocket on July 22, according to Air Force Space Command. The previous satellite, WGS-6,? launched and completed on-orbit checks in 2013. WGS-7 arrived at Kennedy Space Center for transfer to Cape Canaveral on May 28.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
