DSCS III Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The DSCS III bus accounts for 14 cataloged objects, of which 14 are in orbit and 4 are active. Most are built by GEVF. The largest operator on this bus is AFSMC/DISA. The first launched in 1982, the most recent in 2003.
14
In orbit
4
Active
14
Total launched
0
Reentered
DSCS III launched per year
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged DSCS III satellites.
| Manufacturer | GEVF |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Communication |
| Launch mass | 1232 kg |
| Dry mass | 900 kg |
| Length | 2.1 m |
| Diameter | 1.9 m |
| Span | 9.5 m |
| Shape | Box + 2 Pan |
| Power | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | AOCS |
| Design life | 10 years |
| Equipment | 6 SHF transponders, 1 special purpose transponder (SHF and UHF) |
| Typical orbit | 1436 min period, 14° inclination |
Top operators
AFSMC/DISA 9 AFSD/DCA 3 AFSSD2/DCA 1 AFSSD2/DISA 1
Top countries
US 14
DSCS III satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA 170 DSCS III B-6 | 27875 | 2003-040A | AFSMC/DISA | Aug 29, 2003 | 1436 min, 10.6° | Active | ◉ |
| USA 167 DSCS III A-3 | 27691 | 2003-008A | AFSMC/DISA | Mar 11, 2003 | 1436 min, 11.0° | Active | ◉ |
| USA 153 DSCS III B-11 | 26575 | 2000-065A | AFSMC/DISA | Oct 20, 2000 | 1436 min, 11.7° | Active | ◉ |
| USA 148 DSCS III B-8 | 26052 | 2000-001A | AFSMC/DISA | Jan 21, 2000 | 1453 min, 12.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
| USA 134 DSCS III B-13 | 25019 | 1997-065A | AFSMC/DISA | Oct 25, 1997 | 1436 min, 12.8° | Active | ◉ |
| USA 113 DSCS III B-7 | 23628 | 1995-038A | AFSMC/DISA | Jul 31, 1995 | 1460 min, 13.5° | Inactive | ◉ |
| USA 97 DSCS III B-10 | 22915 | 1993-074A | AFSMC/DISA | Nov 28, 1993 | 1461 min, 13.8° | Inactive | ◉ |
| USA 93 DSCS III B-9 | 22719 | 1993-046A | AFSMC/DISA | Jul 19, 1993 | 1454 min, 13.9° | Inactive | ◉ |
| USA 82 DSCS III B-12 | 22009 | 1992-037A | AFSMC/DISA | Jul 2, 1992 | 1457 min, 14.2° | Inactive | ◉ |
| USA 78 DSCS III B-14 | 21873 | 1992-006A | AFSSD2/DISA | Feb 11, 1992 | 1454 min, 14.8° | Inactive | ◉ |
| USA 44 DSCS III A-2 | 20203 | 1989-069B | AFSSD2/DCA | Sep 4, 1989 | 1453 min, 14.7° | Inactive | ◉ |
| USA 12 DSCS III B-5 | 16117 | 1985-092C | AFSD/DCA | Oct 3, 1985 | 1455 min, 14.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
| USA 11 DSCS III B-4 | 16116 | 1985-092B | AFSD/DCA | Oct 3, 1985 | 1450 min, 14.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
| DSCS 3-1 DSCS III A-1 | 13637 | 1982-106B | AFSD/DCA | Oct 30, 1982 | 1472 min, 12.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many DSCS III satellites are there?
The catalog lists 14 objects built on the DSCS III bus. 14 are in orbit and 0 have reentered.
How many DSCS III satellites are in orbit?
14 DSCS III objects are currently in orbit, of which 4 carry an active status.
Who builds the DSCS III bus?
The DSCS III bus is most commonly built by GEVF.
When did the first DSCS III satellite launch?
The first cataloged DSCS III satellite launched in 1982, and the most recent in 2003.