Objective Wideband System

There are two components to the MILSATCOM Advanced Wideband Program -- the Wideband Gapfiller Program and the Objective Wideband System. The new Wideband Gapfiller satellites will complement the DSCS III Service Life Enhancement Program (SLEP) and GBS payloads, and offset the eventual decline in DSCS III capability. Together these assets will provide wideband services during the transition period between today's systems and the advent of the Objective X/Ka wideband system or Advanced Wideband System (AWS).

The Advanced Wideband System has been merged with the Pentagon's plans for a laser-based Transformational Satellite Communications System. The Office of the Secretary of Defense initially pushed for an FY-09 launch of the laser-equipped satellites while the Air Force called for a more conservative FY-12 launch date.