WGS F7 (USA 263)

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WGS F7 (USA 263) is classified as:

Military

NORAD ID: 40746

Int'l Code: 2015-036A

Perigee: 35,779.7 km

Apogee: 35,808.8 km

Inclination: 0.0 °

Period: 1,436.1 minutes

Semi major axis: 42165 km

RCS: Unknown

Launch date: July 24, 2015
Source: United States (US)
Launch site: AIR FORCE EASTERN TEST RANGE (AFETR)

WGS F7 (USA 263) is a US military geostationary communications satellite that provides shaped, steerable spotbeams of bandwidth wherever requested across its field-of-view for X- and Ka-band frequencies, plus the onboard capability to switch signals from one band to the other. The X-band communications through DSCS and WGS allow data, photos and video to be relayed to troops on the battlefield. But WGS also brings Ka-band to the table for high-volume broadcasting to user terminals across the reception area. WGS is the Department of Defense's highest capacity communications satellite system. The satellites provide the needed capacity, coverage and connectivity in support of demanding operational scenarios for the Pentagon and allied forces around the world. Ten WGS satellites are being orbited in the Pentagon's efforts to replace the aging Defense Satellite Communication System with new technology. Each WGS has 10 times the capacity of a DSCS satellite, allowing users to process and receive data quicker than ever before.