DSCS III Communications Satellite Performance

Abstract

The DSCS III satellite is the third generation space segment of the Defense Satellite Communication System. This satellite is unique compared to earlier DSCS satellites in that it has a six channel transponder designed for both FDMA and TDMA operation and realtime commendable uplink and downlink multibeam antennas. The antenna suit is designed to provide uplink anti-jam discrimination and selective coverage with a 61 element multibeam antenna 45 inches in diameter. The transmit antenna suit includes two 19 element multibeam antennas 28 inches in diameter that provide flexible selective coverage to maximize EIRP allocation and hence optimize satellite traffic thruput. The flexibility in antenna coverage and antenna - transponder interconnectivity allows the system operator to respond rapidly to wide variations in the deployment of forces precipitated by changing world events. This paper describes the overall DSCS III system in which the satellite functions and presents typical antennas patterns obtained with the DSCS III hardware built during the development phase of the program. In addition, overall program status is described and critical hardware elements are shown.