4/4/2009 - CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. -- The U.S. Air Force successfully launched a new-generation military communication satellite from here today at 8:31 p.m. (EDT) when an Atlas V rocket carried a Wideband Global Satellite Communication satellite into space.These satellites are designed to provide high-capacity communications to U.S. military forces. It will augment and eventually replace the Defense Satellite Communication System. The satellite provides a giant leap in communications bandwidth and technology, including expanded internet in Iraq.
"We're helping to give the most versatile and sophisticated technology to our warfighters," said Brig. Gen. Edward L. Bolton Jr., 45th Space Wing commander. "Congratulations to the entire team for their hard work and dedication to the mission."
"We only have one chance to get it right! In this profession you have to be meticulous to detail and patient to ensure mission success," said Capt. Jeffrey Fisher, Wideband Global SATCOM-2 Mission Lead.
The Atlas V family of Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles (EELV) has achieved 100 percent mission success in launches from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
This mission marked the 14th flight of an Atlas V rocket from here and the third launch this year from Cape Canaveral AFS.
