DSCS II Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The DSCS II bus accounts for 14 cataloged objects, of which 12 are in orbit and 0 are active. 2 have reentered. Most are built by TRW. The largest operator on this bus is SAMSO/DCA. The first launched in 1971, the most recent in 1989.
12
In orbit
0
Active
14
Total launched
2
Reentered
DSCS II launched per year
Still in orbit Since reentered Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged DSCS II satellites.
| Manufacturer | TRW |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Communication |
| Launch mass | 610 kg |
| Dry mass | 550 kg |
| Length | 3.6 m |
| Diameter | 2.7 m |
| Span | 3.6 m |
| Shape | Cyl |
| Power | Solar cells, batteries |
| Propulsion | AOCS |
| Design life | 5 years |
| Equipment | 2 X-Band transponders |
| Typical orbit | 1436 min period, 8° inclination |
Top operators
SAMSO/DCA 10 AFSD/DCA 3 AFSSD2/DCA 1
Top countries
US 14
DSCS II satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA 43 DSCS II F-15 | 20202 | 1989-069A | AFSSD2/DCA | Sep 4, 1989 | 1460 min, 12.9° | Inactive | ◉ |
| DSCS 2-15 DSCS II F-16 | 13636 | 1982-106A | AFSD/DCA | Oct 30, 1982 | 1514 min, 12.1° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 9444 (DSCS 2-14) DSCS II F-14 | 11622 | 1979-098B | AFSD/DCA | Nov 21, 1979 | 1464 min, 8.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 9443 (DSCS 2-13) DSCS II F-13 | 11621 | 1979-098A | AFSD/DCA | Nov 21, 1979 | 1506 min, 10.2° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 9442 (DSCS 2-12) DSCS II F-12 | 11145 | 1978-113B | SAMSO/DCA | Dec 14, 1978 | 1463 min, 8.2° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 9441 (DSCS 2-11) DSCS II F-11 | 11144 | 1978-113A | SAMSO/DCA | Dec 14, 1978 | 1531 min, 10.7° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 9438 (DSCS 2-8) DSCS II F-8 | 10001 | 1977-034B | SAMSO/DCA | May 12, 1977 | 1509 min, 8.7° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 9437 (DSCS 2-7) DSCS II F-7 | 10000 | 1977-034A | SAMSO/DCA | May 12, 1977 | 1490 min, 8.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 9436 (DSCS 2-6) DSCS II F-6 | 07808 | · | SAMSO/DCA | May 20, 1975 | · | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 9435 (DSCS 2-5) DSCS II F-5 | 07807 | 1975-040A | SAMSO/DCA | May 20, 1975 | 88 min, 28.6° | Reentered | ◉ |
| OPS 9434 (DSCS 2-4) DSCS II F-4 | 06974 | 1973-100B | SAMSO/DCA | Dec 13, 1973 | 1477 min, 4.6° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 9433 (DSCS 2-3) DSCS II F-3 | 06973 | 1973-100A | SAMSO/DCA | Dec 13, 1973 | 1475 min, 5.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 9432 (DSCS 2-2) DSCS II F-2 | 05588 | 1971-095B | SAMSO/DCA | Nov 3, 1971 | 1437 min, 1.5° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 9431 (DSCS 2-1) DSCS II F-1 | 05587 | 1971-095A | SAMSO/DCA | Nov 3, 1971 | 1436 min, 1.5° | Inactive | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many DSCS II satellites are there?
The catalog lists 14 objects built on the DSCS II bus. 12 are in orbit and 2 have reentered.
How many DSCS II satellites are in orbit?
12 DSCS II objects are currently in orbit, of which 0 carry an active status.
Who builds the DSCS II bus?
The DSCS II bus is most commonly built by TRW.
When did the first DSCS II satellite launch?
The first cataloged DSCS II satellite launched in 1971, and the most recent in 1989.