WGS F5 (USA 243) (39168)

COSPAR: 2013-024A | Alt Name: WGS SV-5

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 25, 2013

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

SLC37B

Launch Vehicle

Delta 4M+(5,4)

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

39168

International Designator

2013-024A

Epoch

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:51:56 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

0.02°

Right Ascension

27.14°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

126.24°

Period

1436.13 min

Mean Motion

1.00 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

WGS F5 (USA 243)

Alternative Name

WGS SV-5

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

AFSMC

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 39168U 13024A   26183.78606956  .00000000  00000-0  00000-0 0  9994

2 39168   0.0207  27.1404 0000374 126.2370 357.9350  1.00269718 47334

Source: Celestrak

Summary

WGS F5 (USA 243), also known as WGS SV-5, is a communication satellite operated by AFSMC and launched on May 25, 2013, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, SLC37B, using a Delta 4M+(5,4) launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 6 meters in length, 3 meters in diameter, and a span of 40.9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 2500 kilograms with a launch mass of 5768 kilograms. Its payload includes a cross-band system featuring X-band, Global Broadcast, and two-way Ka-band capabilities for communication purposes. Equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries, WGS F5 was manufactured by BOES and has an expected lifetime of 14 years. It is designed to provide wideband global satellite communications as part of the Wideband Global Satcom system.

Physical Characteristics

Length

Diameter

Span

40.9

Dry Mass

2500

Launch Mass

5768

Shape

Box + 2 pan

Radar Cross Section

17.9433

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Wideband Global Satcom 5

Purpose

Communication

Mission

Communication

Manufacturer

BOES

Life Expectancy

14 years

Bus

BSS-702HP

Configuration

BSS-702

Motor

R-4D-15-375

Equipment

Cross-band (X-band, Global Broadcast, 2-way Ka-band) payload

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

Next Pass

Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

Start Azimuth

Max Elevation

Stop Azimuth

Time Until

Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Falcon 9 Launches 25 Starlink Satellites After Weather Delays | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX launches 25 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg after multiple weather delays. 20th Falcon 9 mission of 2026 features second-ever booster landing near The Bahamas.

X Report 6 Feb 2025

SpaceX prepares for a new cargo-return mission with Atmos, deploys imaging satellites, and gears up for Axiom-4 private astronaut launch.

X Report 10 Feb 2025

SpaceX prepares for Starship Flight 8 with successful booster static fire; Starlink continues its expansion.

Musk Pivots SpaceX Focus to Moon Settlement Before Mars | KeepTrack X Report

Elon Musk shifts SpaceX's priority to lunar settlement before Mars colonization. Crew-12 launch delayed by weather to Feb 12. SpaceX partners with Hexagon Purus for manufacturing.

The Kessler Syndrome

The Kessler Syndrome threatens humanity's future in space as cascading satellite collisions create exponential debris growth. With 36,000+ tracked objects and recent incidents accelerating risks, we face a critical juncture: implement solutions now or potentially lose access to low Earth orbit forever.

X Report 8 Jan 2025

SpaceX sets sights on new frontiers with the imminent Starlink launch and upcoming Blue Ghost moon lander mission.

Space Brief 17 Jan 2025

Today's brief covers developments involving Space Force officials, Sierra Space's satellite milestone, and Voyager Space's rebranding for national security focus. Additionally, we spotlight the Cosmos 447 satellite.

X Report 20 Sep 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites from California, enhancing its global internet coverage as the company continues to dominate the satellite communications market.