NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 1967-003F
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. Eight were dispersed on a single Titan 3C rocket into slightly sub-synchronous orbit 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. IDCSP satellites transmitted reconnaisance photos and other data during the Vietnam war. They were succeeded by NATO and DSCS true geosynchronous satellites.
Launch Date: 1967-01-18
Launch Vehicle: Titan
Launch Site: Cape Canaveral, United States
Mass: 45 kg
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office