# WGS 7 (USA 263)

> 40746

**Wikidata**: [Q111471583](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111471583)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wgs-7-usa-263

## Summary
WGS 7 (USA 263) is a U.S. military communications satellite and the seventh installment in the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) program, designed to provide secure, high-capacity communication services for military operations. Identified by the NORAD catalog number 40746, it operates as part of a constellation supporting global connectivity for the U.S. Department of Defense.

## Key Facts
- **NORAD ID**: 40746  
- **Full Designation**: WGS 7 (USA 263)  
- **Program Affiliation**: Part of the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) series  
- **Primary Function**: Military communications satellite  
- **Operator**: United States Department of Defense  
- **Classification**: Artificial satellite  

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of WGS 7 (USA 263)?
A: WGS 7 provides secure, high-bandwidth communication services for U.S. military operations, ensuring connectivity across diverse terrains and environments.

### Q: Who operates WGS 7?
A: The satellite is operated by the U.S. Department of Defense as part of its broader WGS constellation.

### Q: What is the significance of the NORAD ID 40746?
A: The NORAD ID 40746 is a unique identifier assigned to the satellite for tracking and cataloging purposes by the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

## Why It Matters
WGS 7 plays a critical role in modern military infrastructure by addressing the demand for reliable, jam-resistant communication in remote or contested regions. As part of the WGS constellation, it enhances the U.S. military’s ability to transmit data, voice, and video across the globe, supporting coalition operations and strategic command systems. Its advanced capabilities ensure interoperability with other defense networks, making it a cornerstone of 21st-century military communications.

## Notable For
- **Constellation Contribution**: Expands the WGS network’s capacity to deliver worldwide connectivity.  
- **Military Reliance**: Integral to U.S. and allied forces’ operational readiness and coordination.  
- **Technological Advancement**: Represents iterative improvements in satellite communications technology over earlier WGS iterations.  

## Body
### Overview
WGS 7 (USA 263) is a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite developed under the U.S. Air Force’s Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program. It operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, providing high-resolution imagery for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

### Technical Specifications
- **Launch Date**: January 17, 2014  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas V 401  
- **Mass**: 5,600 kg  
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous, 499 km altitude  
- **Sensors**: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) with 0.3–1 meter resolution  

### Mission
The satellite supports military and civilian applications, including disaster response, environmental monitoring, and national security. Its SAR capability enables day/night, all-weather imaging, critical for persistent surveillance in denied areas.

### Legacy
WGS 7 (USA 263) is part of a series of SAR satellites that have significantly enhanced U.S. reconnaissance capabilities. Its data has informed strategic decisions in military operations and contributed to global security initiatives.