MISSION NAME
WGS-1 1
Status
Success
DATE
11 OCT 2007
LAUNCH PROVIDER
United Launch Alliance
Launch Pad
Space Launch Complex 41
Description
The Wideband Global SATCOM system (WGS) is a high capacity satellite communications system for use by US DoD and Australian Department of Defence. Providing communications for warfighters.
Atlas V 421
Rocket Description
Atlas V is an expendable launch system in the Atlas rocket family. It was formerly operated by Lockheed Martin and is now operated by United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture with Boeing. Each Atlas V rocket uses a Russian-built RD-180 engine burning kerosene and liquid oxygen to power its first stage and an American-built RL10 engine burning liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to power its Centaur upper stage. The RD-180 engines are provided by RD Amross, while Aerojet Rocketdyne provides both the RL10 engines and the strap-on boosters used in some configurations. The 421 version uses a 4m wide fairing, 2 solid rocket boosters and one engine on the Centaur stage.