The US Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center has awarded a contract modification to perform the launch services for the wideband global SATCOM-4 (WGS-4) satellite.

Scheduled to launch between December 2011 and February 2012, the WGS-4 will be launched by United Launch Alliance, aboard a Delta IV evolved expendable launch vehicle.

The Delta IV Medium+ (5,4) configuration will use a single common booster core with a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-68 main engine with four Alliant Techsystems GEM 60 solid rocket motors, for the launch.

The Delta IV will also be have a PWR RL10B-2 upper stage engine and a 5m diameter upper stage and composite payload fairing.

Part of a new high-capacity satellite communications system, the WGS-4 will provide enhanced communications capabilities to US troops during critical operations in future.

The WGS will also perform command and control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR), and battle management and combat support information functions in a robust and flexible manner.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The fourth satellite of the WGS system and the first in the block II series, the WGS-4 will be launched from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

Following the launch, the WGS-4 will join the existing WGS-1, 2 and 3 satellites and provide additional information broadcast capabilities.