| |
|
Defense Satellite Communication System 3 (DSCS III)
|
According to the U.S. Space Force:
Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) constellation provides long haul communications to users worldwide through contested environments.
DSCS supports: the defense communications system, the military’s ground mobile forces, airborne terminals, ships at sea, and Department of Defense (DOD).
The first DSCS III satellite was launched in October 1982. The final DSCS III satellite, B6, was launched in August 2003. In all, DSCS III successfully launched 14 satellites, six of which are still operational and continue to be used in various capacities, from operational communications in Southwest Asia to research and development of ground-based support capabilities.
Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., sustains the DSCS Space Segment contract.
DSCS III satellites support globally distributed DOD and national security users. Modifications made to these satellites will provide substantial capacity improvements through higher power amplifiers, more sensitive receivers, and additional antenna connectivity options. The DSCS communications payload includes six independent Super High Frequency (SHF) transponder channels. Three receive and five transmit antennas provide selectable options for Earth coverage, area coverage and/or spot beam coverage. A special purpose single-channel transponder is also on board.
DSCS satellites provide the capabilities needed for effective implementation of worldwide military communications. It can adapt rapidly to dynamic operating conditions and perform under stressed environments. DSCS operates with large or small terminals. DSCS’s independent channels group users by operational needs or geographical location by allocating receiver sensitivity and transmitter power, thus providing maximum efficiency.
|
Paired Frequency Bands |
| Paired Bands | Use | Service | Table |
| 7250 - 7750 MHz | DSCS III downlink | Mobile-satellite | F |
| 7900 - 8400 MHz | DSCS III uplink | Mobile-satellite | F |
Frequencies |
| Frequency | Bandwidth | Use | Service | Table |
| 7600 MHz | - | DSCS III Beacon (A series satellites) | Mobile-satellite | F |
| 7604.705882 MHz | - | DSCS III Beacon (B series satellites) | Mobile-satellite | F |
| 8005.146484 MHz | - | DSCS III Channel 1 command uplink | Mobile-satellite | F |
| 8370.146484 MHz | - | DSCS III Channel 5 command uplink | Mobile-satellite | F |
|
|
|
|
|