The U.S. Air Force will launch the second Wideband Global SATCOM satellite aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on March 31 at 9:32 p.m. EDT from Pad 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

This will be the second launch for the WGS constellation.  The WGS-2 satellite will provide the warfighter with the same capabilities as WGS-1 while extending global coverage. WGS-1 launched in October 2007 and US Strategic Command accepted it for use during operations in April 2008.  WGS-1 reached Initial Operating Capability in January 2009. After the launch of WGS-2, WGS-3 will round out the remainder of the Block I contract.  The WGS-3 satellite has completed its test programs and is slated for launch in August 2009.  The WGS Block II contract for WGS-4 and WGS-5 was awarded in 2006.