USA-243

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]

USA-243
Artist's impression of a WGS satellite in orbit
Mission typeCommunications
OperatorUS Air Force
COSPAR ID2013-024A
SATCAT no.39168
Mission duration14 years (planned)[1]
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft typeWGS Block II
BusBSS-702HP
ManufacturerBoeing
Launch mass5,987 kilograms (13,199 lb)[2]
Power11 kW[1]
Start of mission
Launch date25 May 2013, 00:27 (2013-05-25UTC00:27Z) UTC
RocketDelta IV-M+(5,4) D362
Launch siteCape Canaveral SLC-37B
ContractorULA
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeGeostationary
(planned)
Transponders
BandX and Ka band
Frequency7.2/8.4 GHz (Military X-Band) 30/20 GHz (Military Ka-Band)
 

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. Krebs, Gunter. "WGS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9". Gunter's Spage Page. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  2. "WGS-5 Delta IV Mission Overview" (PDF). United Launch Alliance. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 September 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  3. "Communications satellite launched into space". NBC News. 24 May 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  4. "Delta IV rocket launches from Cape Canaveral". Central Florida News 13. 24 May 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  5. 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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