Mission type Communications COSPAR ID 2013-024A Mission duration 14 years (planned) Launch mass 5,987 kg Launch date 25 May 2013 Contractor United Launch Alliance | Operator US Air Force SATCAT no. 39168 Spacecraft type WGS Block II Launch mass 5,987 kg Bus Boeing 702 Regime Geostationary orbit | |
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Similar USA‑245, Drag and Atmosph, Bell, Graham, Alexander | ||
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 programme, and the second Block II spacecraft.
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), and a design life of 14 years. Its two solar panels generate upwards of 11 kilowatts of power. The spacecraft is equipped with X and Ka-band transponders. An R-4D bipropellant rocket motor and four XIPS-25 ion engines provide propulsion.
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 manoeuvred into geostationary orbit. 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 pressurisation line. The launch was successful.