This will be the second attempt to launch the Atlas V. The launch team detected an anomalous leak rate in the Centaur upper stage oxidizer valve during a March 17 launch attempt.

These satellites are designed to provide high-capacity communications to our nation's military forces.

It will augment and eventually replace the aging Defense Satellite Communication System, which has been the Department of Defense's backbone for satellite communications over the last two decades.

The satellite provides a giant leap in communications bandwidth and technology.

"We are extremely proud to be a part of the team that will launch the second Wideband Global SATCOM satellite," said Brig. Gen. Edward L. Bolton Jr., 45th Space Wing commander.

"The launch of this satellite will provide our military with the capacity, connectivity, and flexibility to successfully complete its mission."

First launched in 2007, WGS will be a constellation of five satellites that will supply service for military leaders to command and control their tactical forces.

After the launch of WGS-2, WGS-3 will round out the remainder of the first phase of satellites. The WGS-3 satellite has completed its test programs and is slated for later this year.

Related Links
Webcast: The launch can be viewed
Launch Pad at Space-Travel.com

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Indian Land SC (SPX) Apr 27, 2009
Continental Tire North America, Inc. ("Continental") recently provided new tires for a ground transporter vehicle that will be used to support Atlas V rocket launch processing at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.