It is intended to support the U.S. Armed Forces with greater capabilities than those provided by other systems.

In March 2007, the acronym WGS was changed to Wideband Global SATCOM.

A major part of the U.S. military's global satellite communications, the Wideband Global SATCOM Satellite (WGS) system helps the U.S. Military through the operation of the control systems and provides long haul communications for the Department of Defense.

A R-4D bi-propellant rocket motor and four XIPS-25 ion engines provide propulsion for maneuvering.

[5] A launch attempt 24 hours before was aborted due to a problem with a helium pressurization line.