Boeing gets nod for two more WGS satellites

The Air Force has authorized Boeing to develop and launch the eighth and ninth Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) satellites, company officials said Jan. 18.

In September 2011, Boeing received a $1.09 billion contract modification from the Air Force that included $673 million to cover the production costs of the two craft.

WGS 8 and 9 will join four other satellites that are part of the Block II series, which will is capable of transmitting airborne surveillance imagery at data rates approximately three times greater than the rates available on Block I satellites.