Space Warfighter Heritage: First Military Communications Satellite Launches

Published June 26, 2025
By John M. Lacomia, FAM/Historian SpOC History Office

On June 16, 1966, the U.S. Air Force launched the first seven Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDCSP) satellites from Cape Kennedy, Florida onboard a Titan IIIC launch vehicle into near-geosynchronous orbit. Operationally, the IDCSP became known as IDSCS (Initial Defense Satellite Communications System, later, DSCS), and the satellites provided America’s first space-based demonstration for global military communications. DSCS (pronounced Discus) satellites were used in operations beginning with the Vietnam War and are still in use today. Development of IDCSP started in 1962 and was the first military satellite communications (SATCOM) systems to be used for operational purposes.

A Titan IIIC launches the first seven IDCSP satellites into orbit on June 16, 1966. (USAF Photograph)

Originally expected to function as an experimental system, IDSCS proved its operational worth and became the first in a three-phase evolutionary program to provide long-haul, survivable communications for both strategic and tactical users and operated on the super high frequency (SHF) bandwidth. By mid-1968 there were thirty-six fixed and mobile ground terminals for the satellite communications system. IDSCS satellites transmitted both voice and photography data as part of Project Compass Link from the theater of operations to the Pentagon during the Vietnam War.

IDSCS Satellites being prepped for launch on Jun 13, 1968. Each 3-foot x 3-foot satellite weighed 100 pounds and had a 2.5-year lifespan. (USAF Photograph)

Follow-on DSCS II and DSCS III satellites continued to make improvements to the communications platform. DSCS II was the first military communications satellite to be launched into geosynchronous orbit and provided secure data and command circuits, greater channel capacity, radiation protection features and a longer life span. In 1982, DSCS III was launched and provided nuclear-hardened, anti-jamming, high data rate, global communications for military’s ground forces, aircraft, ships at sea, and the Department of Defense. During Operations Desert Shield/Storm, DSCS satellites provided eighty-four percent of all strategic communications and in-theater tactical communications for U.S. and allied forces. DSCS satellites contributed to the US ability to conduct lightning-fast troop movements and close air support for troops in contact with the enemy.

DSCS II satellite undergoes testing in an anechoic chamber. Circa early 1970s. Each DSCS II satellite weighed approximately 1,300 pounds with a 5-year lifespan. DSCS II satellites measured 9 feet in diameter x 28 feet in circumference x 13 feet in height with antennas extended.) (USAF Photograph)

DSCS III satellite is prepared for testing. Circa 1980s. Each satellite weighed approximately 2,400 pounds and had a 10-year lifespan. DSCS III satellites measured 6 feet x 7 feet with a 38-foot extendable solar panel span.) (USAF Photograph)

With the standup of the U.S. Space Force in December 2019, the Air Force’s satellite communications systems were transferred to the new service. Although the Space Force now has improved satellite communications systems, Space Delta 8’s 4th and 53rd Space Operations Squadrons at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, still control and manage five active DSCS III satellites. Since the 1960s, SATCOM systems have gone from theory to reality providing global communications, battlefield maps and targeting data to U.S. forces and allied partners.