# USA-204

> United States Space Force military communications satellite constellation

**Wikidata**: [Q14083985](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14083985)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-204)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-204

## Summary
USA-204 is a U.S. Space Force military communications satellite and the first in the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) constellation, launched in 2009 to provide secure, high-capacity communications for military operations. It operates in geostationary orbit and was developed by Boeing. The satellite is part of a broader network supporting global defense communications.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: April 4, 2009
- **Operator**: United States Space Force (originally U.S. Air Force)
- **Manufacturer**: Boeing
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas V 421
- **Orbit Type**: Geostationary
- **COSPAR ID**: 2009-017A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 34713
- **Primary Function**: Military communications relay
- **Constellation**: Part of the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system

## FAQs
### Q: What is USA-204 used for?
A: USA-204 provides secure, high-bandwidth communications for U.S. military operations, including voice, data, and video transmission.

### Q: When and where was USA-204 launched?
A: It launched on April 4, 2009, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41 aboard an Atlas V 421 rocket.

### Q: Who operates USA-204?
A: The satellite is operated by the United States Space Force, transitioning from the U.S. Air Force following the Space Force's establishment in 2019.

## Why It Matters
USA-204 represents a critical advancement in U.S. military communications infrastructure. As the inaugural satellite in the WGS constellation, it significantly enhanced the military's ability to transmit large volumes of secure data across global operations. This capability supports real-time command and control, intelligence sharing, and troop coordination, ensuring operational readiness in diverse environments. The WGS system, including USA-204, replaced legacy satellites with improved capacity and resilience, addressing the growing demand for bandwidth driven by modern defense technologies. Its transition to Space Force oversight underscores its role in the evolving domain of space-based military assets.

## Notable For
- First satellite in the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) constellation, marking a generational upgrade in military communications.
- Utilizes advanced Ka-band and X-band technologies for high-speed data transfer.
- Operates in geostationary orbit, providing persistent coverage over specific regions.
- Developed by Boeing under a multi-billion-dollar contract for the WGS program.
- Part of a network that supports coalition forces through interoperable communications.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas V 421, a variant of the Atlas V rocket with a 4-meter payload fairing, no solid rocket boosters, and a Centaur upper stage.
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41 in Florida.
- **Mission Timeline**: 
  - Liftoff: April 4, 2009.
  - Deployment into geostationary orbit approximately 10 days post-launch.

### Technical Specifications
- **Manufacturer**: Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
- **Payload**: High-gain antennas and transponders for Ka-band and X-band communications.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit at approximately 35,786 km altitude.
- **Design Life**: 14 years (minimum operational lifespan).

### Mission and Operations
- **Primary Role**: Secure communications for U.S. and allied forces, including support for the U.S. Department of Defense and NATO operations.
- **Capabilities**: 
  - Data transfer rates up to 1.2 gigabits per second.
  - Cross-band relay (Ka-band to X-band) for network flexibility.
  - Survivability features against jamming and interference.

### Historical Context
- **Program Background**: The WGS constellation was initiated to replace the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS), offering ten times the capacity of legacy systems.
- **Cost**: The initial WGS contract (for three satellites) was valued at $2.9 billion, with USA-204 as the first deliverable.
- **Transition to Space Force**: Operational responsibility shifted from the Air Force to the U.S. Space Force following its establishment in December 2019.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report