WGS satellite set for Tue. launch

ULA technicians have mounted the WGS satellite atop an Atlas 5 rocket.

The first Wideband Global SATCOM satellite is ready for liftoff Tuesday in a launch window that begins at 8:22 p.m. and ends at 9:33 p.m.

"It's been an extremely smooth launch campaign," said Mike Schavietello, Boeing WGS deputy program director, at a Wednesday press briefing. "We're hoping for good weather."

The $300 million satellite will ride a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket, with an improved fuel valve. During the last Atlas 5 launch, June 15, the top-secret payload did not reach the proper orbit due to a fuel leak during the flight, caused by the faulty valve. Similar valves were upgraded on all Atlas and Delta rockets.

Schavietello said ULA is confident the problem, which delayed the launch from Sept. 13, has been repaired.

"We got a thumbs up to proceed and we have no concerns," he said.

Tuesday's launch of the 13,000-pound satellite will be the first of five in the WGS series. Each satellite will have about the same capability as all ten communication satellites in the present system used by the military.

The next two WGS satellites will be launched next summer and at the end of next year respectively.

"We are on track to launch those satellites next year," he said.

The fourth and fifth WGS satellites will have design improvements and will be launched in 2011 and 2012.

After a five-month checkout period, the first satellite will be handed over to the Air Force, which has not announced over which part of the Earth it will fly.

Additionally, the U.S. Air Force has been negotiating with the Australians, who wish to buy a sixth satellite.

"The option for a sixth satellite exists," said Schavietello. "The Air Force needs to authorize us to do this."

The WGS system has the great advantage of being compatible with the present system and with other systems, due to a device called digital channelizer.

"It's a seamless system," said Schavietello. "As long as they're in the field of view of the satellite, they can be connected."



The WGS satellite will orbit at 22,000 miles.