Space Brief 22 Nov 2024
Today's key topics include delays in Vulcan's national security launches, a significant network upgrade contract for the Space Force, and military interest in SpaceX's Starship.
WGS F7 (USA 263) (40746)
COSPAR: 2015-036A | Alt Name: WGS SV-7
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 24, 2015
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC37B
Launch Vehicle
Delta 4M+(5,4)
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
40746
International Designator
2015-036A
Epoch
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:14:08 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
0.04°
Right Ascension
62.74°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
142.20°
Period
1436.09 min
Mean Motion
1.00 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
WGS F7 (USA 263)
Alternative Name
WGS SV-7
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
AFSMC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 40746U 15036A 26183.75981591 .00000000 00000-0 00000-0 0 9991
2 40746 0.0425 62.7431 0000733 142.1999 164.3698 1.00271953 40026
Source: Celestrak
Summary
WGS F7 (USA 263), also known as WGS SV-7, is a communication satellite launched on July 24, 2015, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Delta 4M+(5,4) launch vehicle. It was manufactured by Boeing and has a box shape with two panels for solar arrays. The satellite measures 6 meters in length and 3 meters in diameter with a span of 40.9 meters. Its dry mass is 3,300 kg and it had a launch mass of 5,900 kg. WGS F7 is equipped with a Cross-band payload including X-band, Global Broadcast, and two-way Ka-band communication capabilities, powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's mission is to provide wideband global communications services for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (AFSMC) and has an expected lifetime of 14 years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6
Diameter
3
Span
40.9
Dry Mass
3300
Launch Mass
5900
Shape
Box + 2 pan
Radar Cross Section
7.2473
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Wideband Global Satcom 7
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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