Launch Photos: Delta IV Launches WGS-9 Military Communications Satellite

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Important Connections

United Launch Alliance

The WGS-9 satellite, safely inside the Delta IV payload fairing, is fastened to the Delta IV booster. The WGS network can adapt coverage areas anywhere within its field, providing enhanced communications to U.S. military efforts around the globe.

On Top of the World

United Launch Alliance

Safely inside a 5-meter payload fairing atop the Delta IV booster, the U.S. Air Force's Wideband Global SATCOM 9 (WGS-9) communications satellite stands at the ready inside the Mobile Service Tower at Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex-37. The WGS satellites configure a new high-capacity satellite communications system, the WGS network, that will connect the U.S. military and leadership across the world.

United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket launch art

ULA

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket is poised to lift off Saturday (March 18) carrying a Boeing-built Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) network satellite.

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Christine Lunsford
Christine Lunsford
Producer and Contributing Writer

Christine Lunsford joined the Space.com team in 2010 as a freelance producer and later became a contributing writer, covering astrophotography images, astronomy photos and amazing space galleries and more. During her more than 10 years with Space.com, oversaw the site's monthly skywatching updates and produced overnight features and stories on the latest space discoveries. She enjoys learning about subjects of all kinds.