D
SpaceUnited States

Defense Satellite Communications System III (DSCS III)

Military communications constellationIn servicePending verification

Also known as: DSCS

SpaceUSA
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Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeMilitary communications constellation
Alternative designationsDSCS
ProliferationOrigin country only
Satellites414 launched 1982–2003Med[1]
First launch1982Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Mass1,235 kg2,723 lb2,722 lbMed[1]
Power1,700 WBeginning of lifeMed[1]
Mission
MissionSix SHF transponder channels for secure voice and high-rate dataMed[1]
Orbit
Orbit regimeGEOHigh[1]
Summary

Legacy SHF military communications satellites being phased out in favor of WGS.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
United States
Sources
  1. Defense Satellite Communications System III (weapons and platforms entry), Air & Space Forces Magazine
    Tier 3 · checked 2026-11-08
Change log
  • 2026-11-08 Entry created from cited open sources