A United Launch Alliance Delta-IV rocket launched the next generation WGS-4 military communications satellite on a crystal clear moonless night Thursday January 19th 2012, right on time at 7:38pm EST. The Wideband Global SATCOM system of satellites will provide enhanced communications capabilities to soldiers in the field, allowing for better execution of command and control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

All images © copyright Mike Killian Photography, all rights reserved.