Atlas 5 WGS F1 at Kennedy Space Center at Titusville, FL

On October 7, 2007, the very first Wideband Global SATCOM satellite (WGS) by Boeing was launched at the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, Florida. WGS satellites were built to improve on aerial warfighting information exchange for the US Department of Defense. These satellites will help the US military in significant ways by improving surveillance, reconnaissance and tactical command and control for military planes. The US military base responsible for the satellites is the Los Angeles AFB in California.

A second WGS satellite was launched on April 3, 2009. The initial WGS setup will consist of three satellites over three oceans - the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Indian. A fourth and fifth satellite will be added in the second stage of the process. Please check with the Kennedy Space Station to see if any other WGS satellite launches are planned for the future and if they will be open to the public. The launch of these satellites is an achievement for America and an exciting event for military and aviation buffs.

Points of Interest

Kennedy Space Center at Titusville, FL

Explore the history of the United States' space program with this thrilling and interactive visitor complex at the home of the country's shuttle launch site.