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IDCSP

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IDSC-P Credit: USAF

AKA: Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program;Initial Defense Communictions Satellite Program. Status: Operational 1966. First Launch: 1966-06-16. Last Launch: 1968-06-13. Number: 35 . Gross mass: 45 kg (99 lb).

Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDCSP) spacecraft were launched in the 1960's to provide America's first geosynchronous orbit communications system.

In late October 1964, Philco-Ford Corporation was assigned prime contractor responsibilities to design, develop and assemble both the satellites and the multiple-launch dispensers for the Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDCSP). Under the overall direction of the Defense Communications Agency, the space hardware portion of the program was the responsibility of the Air Force Space Systems Division, assisted by the Aerospace Corporation. The Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program provided the Pentagon with its first geosynchronous communications system. IDCSP satellites were spin-stabilized 26 sided polygons, 86 cm in diameter, covered with solar panels, and had a mass of 45 kg. 8 were dispensed on a single Titan 3C orbit in slightly sub-synchronous orbits, where they would drift about thirty degrees per day; the idea was that a backup was always visible to the earth station if one failed. On June 16, 1966, an Air Force Titan III-C rocket launched 7 IDCSP satellites (plus a gravity-gradient experimental satellite) into near-synchronous equatorial orbit at an altitude of approximately 34,000 km to initiate the network-19 months from the start of hardware design. On January 18, 1967, 8 additional satellites were launched and on July 1, 1967, 4 more were sent into orbit. IDCSP satellites transmitted reconnaissance photos and other data during the Viet Nam War. They were succeeded by NATO and DSCS true geosynchronous satellites.

Photo Gallery

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IDCSP Credit: Manufacturer Image

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IDSC-P Credit: USAF

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IDCSP Credit: Manufacturer Image

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• Cancellation of the Advent program. - . Spacecraft: Advent, IDCSP, . Because of delays in the Centaur upper stage development program and increasing management difficulties, Headquarters USAF recommended cancellation of the Advent program..

• IDCSP requests for proposal - . Spacecraft: IDCSP. Headquarters Space Systems Division solicited requests for proposals (RFPs) for the development of a medium-altitude military communications satellite system that would be developed in place of Advent.

• McNamara cancels the Advent program. - . Related Persons: , McNamara. Spacecraft: IDCSP. Directives issued by Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara effectively cancelled the Advent program and approved development of a new minimum essential satellite communications system..

• Advent responsibility - . Spacecraft: IDCSP, Advent, .

  The Department of Defense announced the reassignment of responsibility for the Defense Department Communication Satellite program (Advent). The Air Force was now given responsibility for the development, production, and launch of all space devices, in line with the policy on military space systems originally delineated on 6 March 1961. The Army retained responsibility for the ground system. The Defense Communications Agency (DCA) assumed overall responsibility for integration.

• Defense communications satellite system responsibilities defined. - . Related Persons: , McNamara. Spacecraft: IDCSP.

  Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara issued to the Secretaries of the Air Force and Army and to the Director of the Defense Communications Agency (DCA) a memorandum which clearly defined the responsibilities of each organization in their joint task of developing a defense communications satellite system. The Air Force was assigned the development of the space vehicle and satellite communications components and would assume responsibility for operation of the space elements of the system. Space Systems Division was subsequently given these responsibilities for the development of the medium-altitude communications satellite system and point-to-point repeater satellites to be placed in synchronous orbit.

• USAF plan for synchronous orbit comsats - . Spacecraft: IDCSP. Space Systems Division published a Proposed System Package Plan for a point-to-point military voice and teletype communications system using stabilized active repeater satellites in synchronous orbit..

• Program Definition for the defense communications satellite program. - . Spacecraft: IDCSP. Philco/Space Technology Laboratories and General Electric/Motorola initiated Phase IB, Program Definition, on the defense communications satellite program managed by Space Systems Division..

• IDCSP satellites as secondary payloads on Titan IIIC research and development launches. - . Spacecraft: IDCSP.

  Discussions between the Titan III System Program Office (SPO) and the Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDCSP) SPO were initiated to investigate the possibility of using IDCSP satellites as secondary payloads on Titan IIIC research and development launches.

• Advent terminated; Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDCSP) begun. - . Related Persons: , McNamara. Spacecraft: IDCSP, Advent.

  Defense Secretary Robert S. McNamara announced that negotiations with the Communications Satellite Corporation for a defense communications network were terminated, and he directed the Defense Department to proceed with the full development of a military satellite communications system to be built by Philco-Ford. This was the Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDCSP).

• Philco-Ford contracted for Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDCSP). - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: IDCSP.

  Philco-Ford Corporation was assigned prime contractor responsibilities to design, develop and assemble both the satellites and the multiple-launch dispensers for the Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDCSP). The IDCSP provided the Pentagon with its first geosynchronous communications system.

• Phase II of IDCSP - . Spacecraft: IDCSP.

  Headquarters USAF and AFSC directed the go-ahead for Phase II of the Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDCSP) with a funding ceiling of $30 million after 14 September 1964. This action approved the launch of three IDCSP payloads on Titan IIIC research and development vehicles that were to be launched in the first half of 1966.

• Contract for Phase II work on the IDCSP. - . Spacecraft: IDCSP. Based on Headquarters USAF and AFSC approval of 20 and 21 October, Space Systems Division issued a letter contract to Philco-Ford Corporation for the initiation of Phase II work on the IDCSP..

• IDCSP 1-2 - . Payload: IDCSP 2 / OPS 9312. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2216 . COSPAR: 1966-053C. Apogee: 33,923 km (21,078 mi). Perigee: 33,657 km (20,913 mi). Inclination: 4.90 deg. Period: 1,335.30 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 1-5 - . Payload: IDCSP 5 / OPS 9315. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2219 . COSPAR: 1966-053F. Apogee: 34,093 km (21,184 mi). Perigee: 33,712 km (20,947 mi). Inclination: 8.90 deg. Period: 1,340.90 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 1-3 - . Payload: IDCSP 3 / OPS 9313. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2217 . COSPAR: 1966-053D. Apogee: 33,955 km (21,098 mi). Perigee: 33,669 km (20,920 mi). Inclination: 8.30 deg. Period: 1,336.40 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 1-1 - . Payload: IDCSP 1 / OPS 9311. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2215 . COSPAR: 1966-053B. Apogee: 33,888 km (21,056 mi). Perigee: 33,656 km (20,912 mi). Inclination: 8.30 deg. Period: 1,334.40 min.

  A Titan IIIC (Vehicle #11) successfully supported a record-setting mission by placing eight satellites into near-synchronous orbits 18,200 miles above the equator. Seven communication satellites and one gravity gradient experimental satellite were included in this first launch in a series designed to establish a ring of experimental communications satellites dispersed around the equator. When completed, this satellite system would provide the Defense Department with a global military communication system designated the Initial Defense Satellite Communication System (IDSCS). Each of the seven satellites could relay 600 voice or 6,000 teletype channels. Space Systems Division was responsible for the development and launch of the spaceborne elements of the IDSCS as well as the Titan IIIC booster and launch services. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• IDCSP 1-7 - . Payload: IDCSP 7 / OPS 9317. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2221 . COSPAR: 1966-053H. Apogee: 34,359 km (21,349 mi). Perigee: 33,711 km (20,947 mi). Inclination: 5.00 deg. Period: 1,347.60 min.

  A Titan IIIC (Vehicle #11) successfully supported a record-setting mission by placing eight satellites into near-synchronous orbits 18,200 miles above the equator. Seven communication satellites and one gravity gradient experimental satellite were included in this first launch in a series designed to establish a ring of experimental communications satellites dispersed around the equator. When completed, this satellite system would provide the Defense Department with a global military communication system designated the Initial Defense Satellite Communication System (IDSCS). Each of the seven satellites could relay 600 voice or 6,000 teletype channels. Space Systems Division was responsible for the development and launch of the spaceborne elements of the IDSCS as well as the Titan IIIC booster and launch services. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• IDCSP 1-6 - . Payload: IDCSP 6 / OPS 9316. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2220 . COSPAR: 1966-053G. Apogee: 34,215 km (21,260 mi). Perigee: 33,707 km (20,944 mi). Inclination: 8.70 deg. Period: 1,343.90 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 1-4 - . Payload: IDCSP 4 / OPS 9314. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2218 . COSPAR: 1966-053E. Apogee: 34,017 km (21,137 mi). Perigee: 33,694 km (20,936 mi). Inclination: 8.00 deg. Period: 1,338.60 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP (8) ... IDCSP (14) - . Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. Decay Date: 1966-08-26 . 8 satellites, each weighing 45 kg..

• IDCSP - . Payload: IDCSP. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Spacecraft: IDCSP.

• IDCSP - . Payload: IDCSP. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Spacecraft: IDCSP.

• IDCSP - . Payload: IDCSP. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Spacecraft: IDCSP.

• IDCSP - . Payload: IDCSP. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Spacecraft: IDCSP.

• IDCSP - . Payload: IDCSP. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Spacecraft: IDCSP.

• IDCSP - . Payload: IDCSP. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Spacecraft: IDCSP.

• IDCSP - . Payload: IDCSP. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Spacecraft: IDCSP.

• IDCSP 2-1 - . Payload: IDCSP 8 / OPS 9321. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2645 . COSPAR: 1967-003A. Apogee: 33,829 km (21,020 mi). Perigee: 33,518 km (20,827 mi). Inclination: 8.70 deg. Period: 1,329.50 min.

  Launched from Cape Canaveral, a Titan IIIC (Vehicle #13) space booster lifted eight 100-pound military communications satellites into synchronous orbits 21,000 miles above the equator. The satellites, together with the seven placed in orbit on 16 June 1966, formed the Initial Defense Satellite Communication System (IDSCS). Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• IDCSP 2-3 - . Payload: IDCSP 10 / OPS 9323. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2650 . COSPAR: 1967-003C. Apogee: 33,843 km (21,029 mi). Perigee: 33,549 km (20,846 mi). Inclination: 8.30 deg. Period: 1,330.70 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 2-4 - . Payload: IDCSP 11 / OPS 9324. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2651 . COSPAR: 1967-003D. Apogee: 33,873 km (21,047 mi). Perigee: 33,579 km (20,864 mi). Inclination: 8.50 deg. Period: 1,332.10 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 2-7 - . Payload: IDCSP 14 / OPS 9327. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2654 . COSPAR: 1967-003G. Apogee: 34,127 km (21,205 mi). Perigee: 33,622 km (20,891 mi). Inclination: 8.60 deg. Period: 1,339.50 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 2-6 - . Payload: IDCSP 13 / OPS 9326. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2653 . COSPAR: 1967-003F. Apogee: 33,995 km (21,123 mi). Perigee: 33,631 km (20,897 mi). Inclination: 11.80 deg. Period: 1,336.50 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 2-5 - . Payload: IDCSP 12 / OPS 9325. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2652 . COSPAR: 1967-003E. Apogee: 33,935 km (21,086 mi). Perigee: 33,599 km (20,877 mi). Inclination: 8.50 deg. Period: 1,334.20 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 2-8 - . Payload: IDCSP 15 / OPS 9328. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2655 . COSPAR: 1967-003H. Apogee: 34,224 km (21,265 mi). Perigee: 33,666 km (20,919 mi). Inclination: 8.60 deg. Period: 1,343.10 min.

  Launched from Cape Canaveral, a Titan IIIC (Vehicle #13) space booster lifted eight 100-pound military communications satellites into synchronous orbits 21,000 miles above the equator. The satellites, together with the seven placed in orbit on 16 June 1966, formed the Initial Defense Satellite Communication System (IDSCS). Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• IDCSP 2-2 - . Payload: IDCSP 9 / OPS 9322. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2649 . COSPAR: 1967-003B. Apogee: 33,830 km (21,020 mi). Perigee: 33,533 km (20,836 mi). Inclination: 8.50 deg. Period: 1,329.90 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 3-1 - . Payload: IDCSP 16 / OPS 9331. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2862 . COSPAR: 1967-066A. Apogee: 33,515 km (20,825 mi). Perigee: 33,030 km (20,520 mi). Inclination: 11.90 deg. Period: 1,309.60 min.

  A Titan IIIC booster (Vehicle #14) launched from Cape Canaveral placed a multiple payload of six satellites into orbit. Three of the satellites completed the Pacific link of the Initial Defense Satellite Communication System (IDSCS) program between Washington D.C., and South Vietnam. A fourth was a special communications satellite, the Despun Antenna Test Satellite (DATS), designed to test a despun antenna system for possible use on future communications satellites. DATS was designed to transmit 75 percent of radio signal strength to earth stations compared to the 15 percent for previous systems. Also included in the payload were a Defense Department Gravity Gradient Experiment (DODGE) satellite and a Lincoln Experimental Satellite, LES-5, the first all solid-state Ultra-high Frequency (UHF) band communication satellite intended to test communications with frontline troops. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• IDCSP 3-3 - . Payload: IDCSP 18 / OPS 9333. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2864 . COSPAR: 1967-066C. Apogee: 33,547 km (20,845 mi). Perigee: 33,079 km (20,554 mi). Inclination: 11.90 deg. Period: 1,311.60 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 3-4 - . Payload: IDCSP 19/DATS / OPS 9334. Mass: 68 kg (149 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2865 . COSPAR: 1967-066D. Apogee: 33,560 km (20,850 mi). Perigee: 33,145 km (20,595 mi). Inclination: 11.90 deg. Period: 1,313.50 min. Antenna tests. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A). .

• IDCSP 3-2 - . Payload: IDCSP 17 / OPS 9332. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 2863 . COSPAR: 1967-066B. Apogee: 33,517 km (20,826 mi). Perigee: 33,046 km (20,533 mi). Inclination: 11.90 deg. Period: 1,310.00 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 4-1 - . Payload: IDCSP 20 / OPS 9341. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 3284 . COSPAR: 1968-050A. Apogee: 33,850 km (21,030 mi). Perigee: 33,725 km (20,955 mi). Inclination: 11.90 deg. Period: 1,335.20 min.

  An Air Force Titan IIIC, Vehicle #16, was launched from Cape Canaveral and successfully inserted eight 100-pound communications satellites into near-synchronous orbits. These satellites augmented and completed the deployment of the Initial Defense Satellite Communications System (IDSCS) which now consisted of 26 operational satellites Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• IDCSP 4-6 - . Payload: IDCSP 25 / OPS 9346. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 3289 . COSPAR: 1968-050F. Apogee: 34,118 km (21,199 mi). Perigee: 33,739 km (20,964 mi). Inclination: 9.40 deg. Period: 1,342.20 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 4-7 - . Payload: IDCSP 26 / OPS 9347. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 3290 . COSPAR: 1968-050G. Apogee: 34,256 km (21,285 mi). Perigee: 33,721 km (20,953 mi). Inclination: 7.50 deg. Period: 1,345.20 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 4-3 - . Payload: IDCSP 22 / OPS 9343. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 3286 . COSPAR: 1968-050C. Apogee: 33,901 km (21,065 mi). Perigee: 33,722 km (20,953 mi). Inclination: 9.40 deg. Period: 1,336.40 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 4-8 - . Payload: IDCSP 27 / OPS 9348. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 3291 . COSPAR: 1968-050H. Apogee: 34,442 km (21,401 mi). Perigee: 33,752 km (20,972 mi). Inclination: 7.70 deg. Period: 1,350.60 min.

  An Air Force Titan IIIC, Vehicle #16, was launched from Cape Canaveral and successfully inserted eight 100-pound communications satellites into near-synchronous orbits. These satellites augmented and completed the deployment of the Initial Defense Satellite Communications System (IDSCS) which now consisted of 26 operational satellites Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

• IDCSP 4-5 - . Payload: IDCSP 24 / OPS 9345. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 3288 . COSPAR: 1968-050E. Apogee: 34,035 km (21,148 mi). Perigee: 33,721 km (20,953 mi). Inclination: 7.40 deg. Period: 1,339.60 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 4-4 - . Payload: IDCSP 23 / OPS 9344. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 3287 . COSPAR: 1968-050D. Apogee: 33,939 km (21,088 mi). Perigee: 33,743 km (20,966 mi). Inclination: 9.20 deg. Period: 1,337.90 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..

• IDCSP 4-2 - . Payload: IDCSP 21 / OPS 9342. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Class: Communications. Type: Military communications satellite. Spacecraft: IDCSP. USAF Sat Cat: 3285 . COSPAR: 1968-050B. Apogee: 33,863 km (21,041 mi). Perigee: 33,724 km (20,955 mi). Inclination: 7.40 deg. Period: 1,335.50 min. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A)..