Weather and other issues have been frustrating factors in the launch of the Air Force’s Wideband Global SATCOM-2 satellite aboard an United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, that is now officially scheduled on the Eastern Range for April 3. The launch window is 8:31-9:33 p.m. EDT. The weather forecast indicates a 60 percent chance of weather violation for launch. The Atlas V is scheduled to rollout to the SLC-41 pad at 9 a.m., April 2.
This is the official weather report:Synoptic Discussion: An upper level trough and associated low pressure system in the Central U.S. will cause a series of frontal boundaries to persist over North Florida through Friday morning. Moisture and instability in the atmosphere are sufficient to produce isolated thunderstorms each afternoon and evening. For MLP roll on Thursday, a near stationary front is expected to be in North Florida with isolated pre-frontal showers and thunderstorms over the peninsula. Winds are expected to be gusting in the mid to upper teens during the morning and low 20s by late morning; however, winds are expected to remain below the 25 kt roll constraint through mid-afternoon. On launch day, the front to the North is expected to be begin transiting the peninsula and be over Central Florida. Isolated showers, thunderstorms, and ground winds gusting in the upper 20s to near 30 kts (230 ft) during the count and low to mid 20s during the window are expected. The primary concerns for launch day are cumulus clouds, isolated thunderstorms, and ground winds. In the event of a 24 hour delay, the frontal boundary is expected to be in South Florida with clearing conditions behind the front. The primary concerns for a 24 hour delay are cumulus clouds.
The WGS are digitally channelized, transponded satellites that provide communications capacity, connectivity and flexibility for U.S. military forces, while maintaining interoperability with existing and programmed X- and Ka-band terminals. WGS will provide essential communications services for combatant commanders to command and control their tactical forces. Tactical forces will rely on WGS to provide high-capacity connectivity into the terrestrial portion of the Defense Information Systems Network.
Upon its first launch into geosynchronous orbit in 2007, WGS Space Vehicle (SV) 1 becomes the Department of Defense’s highest capacity communications satellite. A constellation of five satellites will provide service in both the X and Ka-band frequency spectrums. WGS will supplant X-band communications now provided by the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) and one-way Ka-band service provided by the Global Broadcast Service (GBS). Additionally, WGS will provide a new two-way Ka-band service.
Mission/Vision
WGS provides flexible, high-capacity communications for our nation’s warfighters by developing, launching and testing the Wideband Global SATCOM Satellites and control systems. WGS will provide a quantum leap in communications bandwidth to infrastructure users, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.
Description
WGS is a multi-service program that leverages commercial methods and technological advances in the satellite industry to rapidly design, build, launch and support a constellation of highly capable military communications satellites.
The first three WGS satellites will be launched in 2007 and 2008. Both the Delta IV and Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles (EELV) will be used. Satellites 4 and 5 are anticipated for launch in 2011 and 2012.
The Wideband Global SATCOM system is composed of three principal segments: Space Segment (satellites), Control Segment (operators) and Terminal Segment (users). The MILSATCOM Systems Wing (MCSW) is responsible for development, acquisition fielding and sustainment of the WGS Program.
The Wideband Global SATCOM Satellite system is composed of the following principal segments:
Space Segment (satellites)
Terminal Segment (users)
Control Segment (operators)
