USA-243

USA-243

Artist's impression of a WGS satellite in orbit
Mission type Communications
Operator US Air Force
COSPAR ID 2013-024A
SATCAT no. 39168
Mission duration 14 years (planned)[1]
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft type WGS Block II
Bus BSS-702HP
Manufacturer Boeing
Launch mass 5,987 kilograms (13,199 lb)[2]
Power 11 kW[1]
Start of mission
Launch date 25 May 2013, 00:27 (2013-05-25UTC00:27Z) UTC
Rocket Delta IV-M+(5,4) D362
Launch site Cape Canaveral SLC-37B
Contractor ULA
Orbital parameters
Reference system Geocentric
Regime Geostationary
(planned)
Transponders
Band X and Ka band
Frequency 7.2/8.4 GHz (Military X-Band) 30/20 GHz (Military Ka-Band)

USA-243, also known as WGS-5, is an American military communications satellite. It was the fifth satellite to be launched as part of the Wideband Global SATCOM program,[3] and the second Block II spacecraft.[4]

Constructed by Boeing, USA-243 is based on the BSS-702HP satellite bus. It had a mass at liftoff of 5,987 kilograms (13,199 lb),[2] and a design life of 14 years.[1] Its two solar panels generate upwards of 11 kilowatts of power.[1] The spacecraft is equipped with X and Ka-band transponders. An R-4D bipropellant rocket motor and four XIPS-25 ion engines provide propulsion.[5]

USA-243 was launched by United Launch Alliance. A Delta IV-M+(5,4) rocket, Delta 362, was used to place it into a supersynchronous transfer orbit, from which the spacecraft will be maneuvered into geostationary orbit.[5] It was launched from Space Launch Complex 37B at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 00:27 UTC on 25 May 2013. A launch attempt 24 hours before was cancelled because of a problem with a helium pressurization line.[4] The launch was successful.[6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Krebs, Gunter. "WGS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9". Gunter's Spage Page. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  2. 1 2 "WGS-5 Delta IV Mission Overview" (PDF). United Launch Alliance. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  3. ↑ "Communications satellite launched into space". NBC News. 24 May 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  4. 1 2 "Delta IV rocket launches from Cape Canaveral". Central Florida News 13. 24 May 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  5. 1 2 Graham, William (24 May 2013). "ULA Delta IV successfully lofts WGS-5 satellite". NASASpaceflight.com. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  6. ↑ Ray, Justin (25 May 2013). "Delta Mission Report - Mission Status Center". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 25 May 2013.


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