WGS-11 (PTS-P1) - Vulcan-VC2L - Canaveral SLC-41 - H2 2026 (TBD UTC)

[Targeteer]

https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=131244

Boeing’s New Military Satellite Integrates Anti-Jam Payload for Enhanced Battlefield Communication

EL SEGUNDO, CALIF., April 13, 2023 – Boeing [NYSE: BA] unveiled its Protected Wideband Satellite (PWS) design featuring Boeing’s Protected Tactical SATCOM Prototype (PTS-P) payload hosted aboard the U.S. Space Force’s Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS)-11 spacecraft.

“The joint force is relying on us to deploy capabilities that enable secure communications in a prolific jamming environment,” said Charlotte Gerhart, Space Systems Command’s Tactical SATCOM division chief at the U.S. Space Force. “We also need mission-relevant speed and affordability, while being mindful of the evolving threat in the battlefield. The Boeing PTS-Prototype payload hosted on WGS-11 is an exciting leap forward for new warfighter capabilities.”

The combination of military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) and anti-jam capabilities underpin the PWS design. Both programs are based on Boeing’s 702X software-driven technology enabling real-time and automated beam-forming for improved stand-off performance and signal protection.

“The Protected Wideband Satellite combines significantly upgraded WGS capability with PTS-P’s automated anti-jam features,” said Michelle Parker, vice president of Boeing’s Space Mission Systems.  “This capability sets the stage for future generations of protected wideband systems that can operate in both legacy transponded and new onboard processed modes.”

The program is scheduled for launch in 2024, with on-orbit testing slated for 2025. After on-orbit demonstration, the PTS-P payload will be available to transition for operational use.

The PTS-P design features automated anti-jam capabilities, including jammer geolocation, real-time adaptive nulling, frequency hopping and other techniques, harnessing the power of the U.S. military’s Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW) to ensure the warfighter can stay connected in a contested environment.

By flying PTS-P on the WGS-11 spacecraft as part of the WGS constellation, PWS works seamlessly with all the existing WGS user terminals, while allowing gradual fielding of PTW modems in a theater of operation.

WGS provides the Department of Defense with a broad majority of tactical communications going through the constellation that currently includes 10 satellites.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.

[Vahe231991]

The WGS-11+ marks the first time a USSF payload has been officially assigned to a Vulcan VC2 with a long-configuration payload fairing.

[AndrewM]

This launch isn't on ULA's DoD manifest for 2024 so it has slipped into 2025.

Between ULA’s three rockets, Pentecost and Sanjume said there are five NSSL missions on the 2024 manifest:

USSF-106 – Vulcan
GPS 3-SV07 – Vulcan
USSF-87 – Vulcan
USSF-51 – Atlas 5
NROL-70 – Delta 4 Heavy

https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/02/12/cleanest-first-flight-ula-president-reflects-on-inaugural-vulcan-launch-and-future-of-program/

[AndrewM]

This launch is targeted for FY25 according to the FY25 Budget Request. Coupled with the previous Vulcan manifest discussion, the launch should be between January and the end of September 2025.

https://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/Portals/84/documents/FY25/FY25%20Space%20Force%20Procurement.pdf?ver=uabQ1iLVb4LqiN2_xgh69A%3d%3d

[AndrewM]

As of January 7, this is still targeting launch in 2025 according to Air & Space Forces.

Two competing prototype payloads, developed by Northrop Grumman and Boeing and both set to launch in 2025, aim to open a new era of secure, jam-resistant tactical communications.

Boeing is in the advanced stages of integrating its PTS-P payload with its new Wideband Global SATCOM satellite, WGS-11, a spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine.

[AndrewM]

The GAO's Weapon Systems Annual Assessment was released today (June 11). It doesn't specify any information on WGS but it does call out PTS. Unfortunately, it doesn't identify which launch date matches which provider (Boeing or Northrop Grumman) but the Boeing one should be on this launch.

These officials told us that final certification of these units is scheduled for March 2025 and that certification must be achieved by the scheduled November 2025 launch of the first prototype.

PTS-R officials stated that launch and the first test flight of the prototypes are now scheduled for November 2025 and January 2026, respectively. Officials noted that the planned dates slipped due to a delay resulting from the number of planned launches. Both prototypes will be launched on Vulcan rockets, which have experienced certification delays.

[Page 176/Sheet 186]

[AndrewM]

The FY26 Procurement Budget Request still shows launch in FY25 although the RDT&E budget shows a FY26 launch.

[AndrewM]

Adding onto this, the PTS-P1 (Boeing) payload hosted on WGS-11 is showing a Q1 2026 date to be AFL which aligns with the GAO report pointing to a November launch.

[zubenelgenubi]

I assume no new news means no news: That WGS-11+ has not yet been delivered to the Cape?

[AndrewM]

This mission was not listed in ULAs upcoming manifest. USSF-57 was NET May (prior to USSF-87) so that'll push WGS-11 to NET H2.

ULA sets sights on ramping up launch cadence in 2026 [Feb. 11]

SLC-41:
USSF-87
GPS III-8 (Space Vehicle 10)
USSF-57
NROL-64

[DanClemmensen]

This mission was not listed in ULAs upcoming manifest. USSF-57 was NET May (prior to USSF-87) so that'll push WGS-11 to NET H2.

ULA sets sights on ramping up launch cadence in 2026 [Feb. 11]

SLC-41:
USSF-87
GPS III-8 (Space Vehicle 10)
USSF-57
NROL-64

Given that Vulcan is grounded indefinitely, "NET H2" is optimistic. I think "NET Q4" or "TBD" may be more realistic. We'll see.