Fifth WGS Satellite Set to Launch

  • Published
The Air Force has scheduled the launch of a WGS satellite aboard a Delta IV launch vehicle on May 23 from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. This is the fifth launch for the WGS constellation and the third WGS launch on the Delta IV launch vehicle. The WGS-5 satellite will provide military forces with enhanced communication capabilities and extend coverage of the WGS constellation.

WGS procurement is through contracts with The Boeing Company issued by the Air Force Space Command's MILSATCOM Systems Directorate. The directorate plans for, acquires and sustains space-enabled global communications to support the President, Secretary of Defense and combat forces. WGS is the nation's next-generation wideband satellite communications system. It is replacing the Defense Satellite Communications System - the Department of Defense's backbone for satellite communications over the last two decades.

The Space and Missile Systems Center is the U.S. Air Force's center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems including Global Positioning System, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control network, space based infrared systems, and space situational awareness capabilities.

Media representatives who would like to interview a subject matter expert or learn more about the WGS-5 satellite should send an e-mail to smcpa.media@us.af.mil