by 45th Space Wing Public Affairs The U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing successfully launched a United Launch Alliance-built Delta IV rocket carrying the sixth Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) satellite at 8:29 p.m. Aug. 7 from Space Launch Complex 37B here.

A combined team of military, government civilians and contractors from across the 45th Space Wing provided support to the mission, including weather forecasts, launch and range operations, security, safety and public affairs.

The satellite will provide additional wideband satcom coverage for U.S. defense forces and International partners, to include Australia, which supported the cost of the sixth spacecraft under a partnership agreement.

The WGS system provides anytime, anywhere communication for the warfighter through broadcast, multicast, and point to point connections.

WGS is the only military satellite communications system that can support simultaneous X and Ka band communications, with crossbanding that makes it transparent to the warfighter to communicate across terminal types.

WGS provides essential communication services, allowing Combatant Commanders to exert command and control of their tactical forces, from peacetime to military operations. Tactical forces will rely on WGS to provide high-capacity connectivity to the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN)

Brig. Gen. Nina Armagno, commander, 45th Space Wing, praised the entire, mission-focused team on the outstanding results.

"I am proud of the hard work of the 45th Space Wing, the Space and Missile Systems Center, United Launch Alliance, Boeing, our industry and mission partners and everyone involved in this

WGS-6 launch," said Armagno, who also served as the Launch Decision Authority for the second time in less than three weeks.

The 45th Space Wing launched a United Launch Alliance-built Atlas 5 rocket carrying the second Mobile User Objective System satellite, built by Lockheed Martin, for the U.S. Navy July 19 from here as well.

"Once again, our entire team worked hand-in-hand to make this another successful launch for the United States Air Force and our nation," Armagno added.

earlier related report
Sixth Boeing-built Wideband Satellite Expands Tactical Communications
El Segundo CA - With the launch of the sixth Wideband Global SATCOM satellite, Boeing and the U.S. Air Force continue to expand the advanced WGS communications network that serves the U.S. Department of Defense and its international partners, including the Australian Defence Force.

"The demand for wideband satellite communications continues to increase," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "WGS-6 and the additional WGS spacecraft yet to be launched will help to meet that need."

The satellite was launched on a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at -:-- p.m. Eastern time. Approximately -- minutes later, controllers confirmed the satellite was functioning as expected.

This is the second WGS launch of the year, following the May 24 deployment of WGS-5. WGS satellites provide X- and Ka-band protected communications capability using shapable and steerable spot beams that are easily reconfigurable based on user needs.