Credit: USAF. 14,813 bytes. 147 x 318 pixels.
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| IDSC-P - Credit: USAF. 14,813 bytes. 147 x 318 pixels. |
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 Communictions 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 reconnaisance photos and other data during the Viet Nam War. They were succeeded by NATO and DSCS true geosynchronous satellites.
Total Mass: 45 kg.
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.
Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).
Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).
 | IDSC-P Credit: USAF. 31,903 bytes. 329 x 267 pixels. |
Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).