Boeing announced the on-orbit delivery of WGS-6, the sixth Wideband Global Satellite Communications spacecraft, to the Air Force. The company said this delivery boosts the communications capabilities of the US military and its allies. “The first six WGS satellites are giving warfighters quick and reliable access to information, and we continue our commitment to providing the same level of quality and value on the remaining WGS satellites,” said Craig Cooning, general manager of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems. WGS-6, launched into space in August, is one of 10 WGS satellites that Boeing is building. WGS-8 and beyond will include technology that will boost the satellite’s communications bandwidth by more than 90 percent, according to Boeing’s Dec. 12 release. Australia covered the costs of procuring WGS-6 and now has access to the WGS network. Last week, Air Force space officials announced that WGS-5, launched into orbit in May, is perched in its operational location, providing coverage over the Atlantic Ocean for the European theater and full coverage of the continental United States.
The Senate passed its version of the 2026 National Defense Authorization bill late Oct. 9 with new language restricting retirements for B-1 bombers and E-3 AWACS. Now lawmakers from the House and Senate must set about resolving the differences between their two bills, which could lead to significant changes for…
