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Wideband Satellite Communication Operations Center

Thursday, August 4, 2016

What is it?

Wideband Satellite Communication Operations Centers (WSOCs) are critical operational centers that execute, coordinate, and direct the integration of the satellite control missions-related networks and information systems through transmission and payload control of the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) and Wideband Global Satellite (WGS).

  • Through the WSOCs, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command (USASMDC/ARSTRAT) develops and executes defensive space control tactics, techniques, and procedures to defend and protect U.S. government (USG), non-USG organizations, and partner nations’ wideband satellite communications (SATCOM) capabilities.
  • WSOCs also provide and sustain the transmission and payload control infrastructure and resources to plan, manage, configure, control, and provide wideband satellite control in support of the commander for the Joint Functional Component Command for Space.

What has the Army done?

USASMDC/ARSTRAT organizes, mans, trains and equips all WSOCs.

  • Teams with allied partners to implement cost sharing where appropriate (manpower and facilities).
  • Works to ensure the warfighter’s ability to operate in a contested, operationally-limited, and degraded communication environments.
  • Manages all Department of Defense wideband satellite communications payloads, ensuring continued mission critical communications access across DOD, USG, USG agencies and organizations, and U.S. allies and partner nations

What continued efforts are planned for the future?

The Army’s ability to communicate and execute mission command over satellite systems is critical to current and future operations. USASMDC/ARSTRAT will continue to manage the communications payload on each of the DSCS and WGS satellites in support of the services, agencies and international partners. The command will also continue to support satellite resource planning to meet the joint and Army warfighter’s SATCOM requirements.

Why is this important to the Army?

  • WSOCs provide access to DSCS and WGS satellites, enabling the use of military satellite communications by Soldiers deployed at forward stations around the world.
  • Ensures the communication abilities of the geographic combatant commands and unified action partners.
  • Provides reach-back capabilities into the Department of Defense Information Network and other critical communication and control networks.
  • WSOCs are the only system capable of managing communications transmissions and carrying out payload control for the entire DSCS and WGS on-orbit constellations – enabling access to critical communications, navigation, and other space-based capabilities.

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Related information:

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