Illustration of the WGS satellites in its two configurations, known as Block I (left) and Block II (right). Credit: USAF.

The United Launch Alliance (ULA) is ready to launch the tenth Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite for the US Air Force (USAF) on board the Delta IV rocket.

The planned launch will take place at Space Launch Complex-37 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, US.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Boeing developed the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system as part of a contract for ten WGS satellites.

It is designed to provide two-way X-band and Ka-band communications along with Ka-band broadcast services for the US and allied troops around the world.

Boeing has implemented an enhanced Wideband Digital Channelizer upgrade for the last three satellites in the ten-satellite WGS constellation. The upgraded digital channelisers will nearly double the available bandwidth of earlier satellites in the series, according to Boeing.

“An RS-68A engine will power the rocket’s common booster core, while the RL10B-2 engine will power the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage.”

ULA government and commercial programmes vice-president Gary Wentz said: “ULA is proud to be the exclusive launch provider for all ten WGS missions. Our focus on mission success continually demonstrates that safely and reliably delivering these critical national assets is our highest priority.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

ULA will launch the mission on board the Delta IV vehicle in the Medium+ (5,4) configuration. The 218ft-tall rocket includes a 5m payload fairing.

Aerojet Rocketdyne supplied two engines for the vehicle. An RS-68A engine will power the rocket’s common booster core, while the RL10B-2 engine will power the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage. Northrop Grumman delivered four solid rocket motors for Delta IV.

The WGS programme is aimed at providing high data rate and long haul communications for marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen, the White House Communication Agency, the US State Department, international partners and other special users.

Other nations involved in the project are Australia, Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and New Zealand.

Airforce Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Airforce Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.


Excellence in Action
Discover how Virtualitics is transforming mission readiness with explainable AI, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision intelligence across the U.S. Department of Defense through its AI-powered Integrated Readiness Optimization suite, for which it has won the Innovation and Business Expansion awards.

Discover the Impact