Delta IV WGS-3 Launch Set Dec 2

Release Number: 091109

11/25/2009 - CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. -- The U.S. Air Force will launch the third Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle from Space Launch Complex 37, Dec 2. The launch window is 7:21-8:41 p.m. EST.

WGS satellites are designed to provide high-capacity communications to our nation's military forces. They will augment and eventually replace the aging Defense Satellite Communication System, which has been the Department of Defense's backbone for satellite communications over the past two decades. The satellite provides a giant leap in communications bandwidth and technology.

First launched in 2007, WGS will be a constellation of five satellites that will supply service for military leaders to command and control their tactical forces. WGS-3 will round out the remainder of the first phase of satellites.

Notes:
1. Remote camera set-up: Media representatives interested in setting up remote cameras must report to the parking lot of the Space Florida/Space X complex, adjacent to the CCAFS front gate, Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 7:45 a.m. for badging and escort to the SLC-41 area. Mike Rein and Mike Woolley of ULA Communications plan to meet and escort media. For any questions or concerns, contact Mr. Rein at (321) 693-6250.

2. Launch day coverage: Media representatives interested in covering the launch from the Kennedy Space Center News Center must report to the parking lot at the KSC Media Services Press Accreditation Building on State Road 3 on Wednesday, Dec. 2 by 6 p.m. for badging and escort. Media with a current valid KSC badge will not require an escort and may drive directly to the KSC News Center, which is the press site for this launch.

3. Live satellite feed information:
Schedule (ALL TIMES EASTERN STANDARD TIME):
Bars and Tone: 6:30 p.m.
Disclaimer: 6:55 p.m.
Broadcast Open: 6:56 p.m.
Launch Window: 7:21 - 8:41 p.m.
Broadcast Close: 9:30 p.m.

Coordinates
Carrier: PanAmSat
Satellite: Galaxy 16
Transponder: 08
Band: C-Band
Bandwidth: 36 MHz
Orbital Position: 99 Degrees West
Downlink Frequency: 3860 MHz Vertical
Audio Subcarrier: 6.2 & 6.8 Dual Mono

4. Webcast: The launch can be viewed via Webcast at: http://www.ulalaunch.com

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Contact: 45th Space Wing Public Affairs, 321-494-5933 (office), 45swpa@patrick.af.mil

Source: http://www.patrick.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123179627

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Delta IV WGS-3 Launch Set Dec 2

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