WGS-4.
United Launch Alliance Delta IV Rocket Successfully Launches U.S. Air Force�s Wideband Global SATCOM-4 (WGS-4) Satellite Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Jan. 19, 2012) A United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket carrying the Wideband Global SATCOM-4 (WGS-4) satellite for the United States Air Force lifted off from Space Launch Complex-37 here at 7:38 p.m. EST today. This is ULA�s first launch of the year and marked the 18th launch of the Delta IV vehicle. �We are honored to have worked closely with our Air Force and mission partners to enable today�s successful launch of the WGS-4 satellite.  WGS-4 will provide important capabilities to the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines protecting our freedoms around the world,� said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Mission Operations. �This mission begins the most aggressive launch campaign in the history of the EELV program, with nine national security and two NASA launches scheduled this year.�  This mission was launched aboard a Delta IV Medium-plus configuration vehicle using a ULA single common booster core powered by a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-68 main engine, along with four Alliant Techsystems GEM 60 solid rocket motors. The five-meter diameter upper stage was powered by a PWR RL10B-2 engine with the satellite encapsulated in a five-meter diameter composite payload fairing. �WGS was the first of the new constellation of satellites to integrate and launch on both the Delta IV and Atlas V vehicles -- the first two on Atlas and now, with WGS-4, the second one on our Delta IV launch system,� said Sponnick. �Our ability to integrate and launch satellites successfully and efficiently on two launch systems to provide operational flexibility was a primary reason that ULA was formed.�             Wideband Global SATCOM provides anytime, anywhere communication for the warfighter through broadcast, multicast, and point to point connections. WGS is the only military satellite communications system that can support simultaneous X and Ka band communications. Mission WGS provides flexible, high-capacity communications for the Nation's warfighters through real world operationalization of the WGS system and the associated control systems. WGS supports the defense communications system; the Army's ground mobile forces, the Air Force's airborne terminals, Navy ships at sea, the White House Communications Agency, the State Department, and special users. WGS provides an order of magnitude increase in military communications increased bandwidth, providing high data rate and long haul communications for marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen worldwide. Features The WGS system is a constellation of highly capable military communications satellites that leverage commercial methods and technological advances in the communications satellite industry. With its first launch in October 2007, second launch in April 2009 and third launch in December 2009, WGS Space Vehicles (SV) -1,-2 and -3 are the Department of Defense's highest capacity communications satellites. A constellation of six satellites will provide service in both the X and Ka-band frequency spectrums. WGS supplements X-band communications now provided by the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) and provides a one-way Ka-band service, similar to what the Global Broadcast Service (GBS) provides. Additionally, WGS also provides a new two-way Ka-band service. These digitally channelized and transponded satellites provide a quantum leap in communications capacity, connectivity and flexibility for U.S. military forces while seamlessly integrating with current and future X- and Ka-band terminals. Each WGS satellite provides more SATCOM capacity than the entire DSCS constellation. Background WGS provides essential communications services, allowing Combatant Commanders to exert command and control of their tactical forces. Tactical forces will rely on WGS to provide high-capacity connectivity into the terrestrial portion of the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN). Part of MILSATCOM Directorate's Wideband SATCOM Group, the WGS system is composed of three principal segments: Space Segment (satellites), Control Segment (operators) and Terminal Segment (users). MCSW is responsible for development, acquisition, fielding and sustainment of the WGS Program. Block II satellites 4, 5 and 6 are anticipated for launch in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Satellites are launched via the Delta IV or Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV). General Characteristics Primary Function: High-capacity military communications satellite Primary Contractor: Boeing Satellite Development Center Payload: Transponded, cross-banded-X and Ka-band communications suite Antennas: 8 beam, transmit and receive X-band Phased arrays and 10 Ka-band Gimbaled Dish Antennas, 1 X-band Earth coverage Capability: 39 125-MHz Channels via digital channelizer/router, 2.1 Gbps capacity