An Air Force Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) spacecraft with significant performance upgrades was shipped Saturday evening, July, 22, by prime contractor Lockheed Martin Space Systems — Missiles & Space Operations to Cape Canaveral Air Station, Fla., for a launch tentatively scheduled in October.
The DSCS III B11 spacecraft, the second of four super high-frequency communications satellites to feature Service Life Enhancement Program (SLEP) upgrades, will provide improved uninterrupted secure voice and high data rate communications to its Department of Defense users.
This satellite, the twelfth of 14, will join 11 other DSCS satellites currently on orbit. The two remaining DSCS III satellites will also feature the SLEP upgrades that provide increased downlink power, improved connectivity to its antennas and upgraded transponded channels.
Space Systems has full responsibility for the third generation of 14 DSCS III spacecraft to include storage, launch preparation, operations support and modifications.
