Sunnyvale - November 30, 1999 - An Air Force Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) spacecraft with significant performance upgrades was recently shipped by prime contractor Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space to Cape Canaveral Air Station, Fla., for a launch tentatively scheduled in January.
The DSCS III B8 spacecraft, the first of four remaining 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 eleventh of 14, will join 10 other DSCS satellites currently on orbit. The three remaining DSCS III satellites will also feature the SLEP upgrades that provide increased downlink power, improved connectivity to its antennas and upgraded transponded channels.
Missiles & Space has full responsibility for the third generation of 14 DSCS III spacecraft to include storage, launch preparation, operations support and modifications.
Lockheed Martin