News | 2007 News Archive

Wideband Gapfiller Satellite Successfully Launched

10/30/2007

 

AASC has played a significant role in the fabrication of the Wideband Gapfiller Satellite. The WGS was successfully launched on October 10, 2007. AASC was contracted to manufacture several main components of the WGS. AASC also fabricated the antenna reflectors and pallets, and the 702 Bus Structures. These are the 15th and 16th 702 Bus Structures built by AASC.

A multi-station satellite, WGS provides far greater communication ability than past satellites as a result of its operational flexibility. WGS is compatible with existing systems and delivers the needed capacity, coverage, connectivity, and control for every given circumstance. The enhanced capabilities, such as a digital channelizer, allow for efficient 24-hour use of satellite bandwidth for communications between any users. The space segment will initially consist of three geostationary satellites, and will supply more than 10x the capacity than a DSCS (Defense Satellite Communications System). For example, five full WGS satellites will replace the DSCS satellites, while just one WGS will provide more capability and bandwidth than all the other DSCS satellites combined.

Applied Aerospace Structures Corporation (AASC) is a full service provider of complex composite and metal bonded structures and assemblies for both military and commercial applications. Based in Stockton, California, AASC is classified as a small business with approximately 300 employees, designs and fabricates critical, lightweight, high-performance, engineered structural assemblies for the aerospace industry. The company is ISO 9001:2000 and AS9100, third party certified and has been in business since 1956. For more information, visit the company’s web site at www.aascworld.com .