A U.S. Air Force Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) spacecraft with significant performance upgrades has been shipped by prime contractor Lockheed Martin Space Systems — Missiles & Space Operations to Cape Canaveral Air Station, Fla., where it will be readied for a scheduled launch in early 2003. Shipment of the latest DSCS satellite comes as the first DSCS III spacecraft marks 20 years on orbit.
Designated DSCS III A3, the spacecraft represents the third of four super high-frequency communications satellites to feature Service Life Enhancement Program (SLEP) upgrades, that will provide improved uninterrupted secure voice and high data rate communications to its Department of Defense users.
This satellite, the thirteenth of 14, will join 12 other DSCS satellites currently on orbit. The last DSCS III satellite, designated B6, will launch in mid-2003 and also feature the SLEP upgrades that provide increased downlink power and improved connectivity to its antennas.
Later this month, the first DSCS III satellite, A1, will reach 20 years on orbit. DSCS III A1 was launched on Oct. 30, 1982 aboard a Titan 34D launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral. Each DSCS III satellite has a design life of 10-years. Several of the DSCS satellites on-orbit today have exceeded their design life expectancy and continue to perform with outstanding results.
From the time the first DSCS III satellite was launched to its most recent launch on Oct.19, 2000 the DSCS III satellite, also known as the ” workhorse of the U.S. Military’s SHF communications satellite network,” has provided secure and reliable communications to soldiers, sailors and airmen around the globe.
