LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, El Segundo, Calif. – The U.S. Air Force’s fourth Wideband Global SATCOM spacecraft was successfully launched on a United Launch Alliance Delta IV launch vehicle at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 7:38 p.m., Jan. 19, the first step on its journey to expand satellite communications services to the warfighter.
Over the next eight weeks, Boeing will begin on-orbit testing of the satellite to verify nominal performance. Ultimately, the satellite will be controlled by the U.S. Air Force’s 3rd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo.
“The close partnership between the Boeing and government team has been essential in delivering the WGS Block II satellites to the warfighter and bringing this enhanced capability to fruition,” said Dave Madden, director of the Space and Missile Systems Center’s Military Satellite Communications Systems Directorate. “WGS is a vital piece of the MILSATCOM enterprise consisting of WGS, Defense Satellite Communication System, Advanced Extremely High Frequency, Milstar, ground and aircraft terminals providing diversified communications services to Sailors, Soldiers, Marines and Airmen around the world. “SMC gives a special thanks to the 45th Space Wing team at Patrick Air Force Base for their work in ensuring a successful launch.”The 45th Space Wing is proud to work this important Air Force launch of WGS-4 with Space and Missile Systems Center, United Launch Alliance and Boeing,” said Col. Rory Welch, 45th Space Wing vice commander, who served as Launch Decision Authority.
The Space and Missile Systems Center, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., 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, intercontinental ballistic missile systems and space situational awareness capabilities.
