U.S. Air Force Wideband Global Satcom communications satellite.
Photo: Boeing

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket is in final preparations to launch the tenth Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) satellite for the U.S. Air Force. The launch is planned for March 15 at Space Launch Complex-37 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. According to the release, ULA has a track record of 100 percent mission success with 132 successful launches.

The WGS system, developed by the Boeing Company, provides wideband communications connectivity for U.S. and allied warfighters around the world. This mission will launch aboard a Delta IV Medium+ (5,4) configuration vehicle, which includes a 5-meter Payload Fairing and stands at 218 ft. The common booster core for Delta IV is powered by the RS-68A engine, and the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage is powered by the RL10B-2 engine, both supplied by Aerojet Rocketdyne. Northrop Grumman provided the four solid rocket motors.

“ULA is proud to be the exclusive launch provider for all 10 WGS missions,” said ULA Vice President (VP) of Government and Commercial Programs Gary Wentz. “Our focus on mission success continually demonstrates that safely and reliably delivering these critical national assets is our highest priority.”