Ku-Band
The frequency band that brought satellite TV to small dishes on rooftops and revolutionized direct-to-home broadcasting
DSCS 3-1 (13637)
COSPAR: 1982-106B | Alt Name: DSCS III A-1
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 30, 1982
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Titan 34D/IUS
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
13637
International Designator
1982-106B
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:28:59 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
12.39°
Right Ascension
333.75°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
199.22°
Period
1471.98 min
Mean Motion
0.98 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DSCS 3-1
Alternative Name
DSCS III A-1
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
AFSD/DCA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 13637U 82106B 26184.85347003 -.00000097 00000-0 00000-0 0 9995
2 13637 12.3924 333.7528 0018061 199.2151 354.5143 0.97827526 65471
Source: Celestrak
Summary
DSCS 3-1, also known as DSCS III A-1, is a US communication satellite launched on October 30, 1982, from the AFETR LC40 launch pad using the Titan 34D/IUS vehicle. This satellite has a 3-Axis stabilization system and carries a DSCS-III bus configuration. It measures 2.1 meters in length, 1.9 meters in diameter, and spans 9.5 meters with its solar arrays deployed. The satellite's dry mass is 893 kg, with a launch mass of 1170 kg. Equipped with 6 SHF transponders and one special purpose transponder (SHF and UHF), it uses deployable solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Manufactured by GEVF, DSCS 3-1 has an expected lifetime of 10 years and is owned by AFSD/DCA, serving communication purposes in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2.1
Diameter
1.9
Span
9.5
Dry Mass
893
Launch Mass
1170
Shape
Box + 2 Pan
Radar Cross Section
7.1337
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
DSCS III A-1
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
GEVF
Life Expectancy
10 years
Bus
DSCS III
Configuration
DSCS-3 Bus, 3-Axis stabilization
Motor
ACOS
Equipment
6 SHF transponders, 1 special purpose transponder (SHF and UHF)
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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