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WGS-9 (Delta IV) 18 March 2017 |
Space Launch Complex 37 Cape Canaveral Air Force Station |
A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket carrying the ninth Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS-9) satellite for the United States Air Force lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space Launch Complex-37 at 8:18 p.m. on 18 March 2017. “This launch commemorates the 70th anniversary of the USAF.” said Laura Maginnis, ULA vice president of Government Satellite Launch. “We are absolutely honored to play a role in this important milestone, while safely delivering WGS-9 to orbit.” WGS satellites are important elements of a new high-capacity satellite communications system providing enhanced communications capabilities to United States and Allied troops in the field. |
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The Delta IV sits atop Launch Complex 37 in the late afternoon sun. |
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An Air Force surveillance helicopter passes overhead. |
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| A delay from the original 7:44 p.m. launch time was caused by a swing arm problem that was resolved for the new launch time of 8:18. | |
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The arcing path of the Delta IV taking it over the horizon and into orbit is seen in this long time exposure of the launch. |
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