DSCS 3-F12

USA

Spacecraft n°:

USA satellite n°:

Defense Satellite Communications System
Also called USA 153 (code B11)

Launch data:

Designation 26575 / 00065A
Launch date 20 Oct 2000 - 00:40 UT
Launch site CC, SLC-36A
Launch vehicle Atlas-2A (AC-140 / #130)
MissionMilitary: Communications
Geostationary orbit:
Perigee / Apogee 35774 x 35799 km
Eccentricity 2.97E-04
Inclination 0.04 deg
Period 1436.12 min
Geostationary orbit 95°E

Specifications

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Prime contractorLockheed Martin Missiles and Space
Platform 
Operator US Air Force
Mass at launch1156 kg
Dry mass884 kg
Basic shape  Box + 2 panels
Dimension 1.93 x 1.96 x 2.06
Solar array 11.62 span
Stabilization3-axis
DC power1240 W
Design lifetime 10 yrs - still active

Location:

DatePositionRemarks
  95°E 
 April 2010  12.15° W 

Super High Frequency (SHF) for U.S. government and military; sophisticated survivability enhancement; worldwide, longhaul coverage; X-band.
Second of the 4 upgraded satellites, see DSCS 3-11
Ref: #7, #15, #84a, #226 - update: 17.08.08