Wgs-2 Satellite Transmits First Signals

摘要

The U.S. Air Force's second Wideband Global Satcom (WGS) satellite, built by Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems of Seal Beach, Calif., successfully reached orbit April 3 and is sending back signals that it is healthy and ready to begin orbital maneuvers and operational testing, an April 6 Boeing press release said.rnLaunched aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., WGS-2 sent its first signals to a ground station in Dongara, Australia, 44 minutes after launch, the release said. The geosynchronous satellite will eventually be stationed to support the operations of U.S. Central Command.rnBoeing is under contract to deliver six of the high-capacity X-and Ka-band communications satellites, and is procuring long-lead items for a seventh and eighth satellite. The first in the series became operational in April 2008.