IDCSP
IDSC-P
Credit - USAF
Other Designations: Initial Defense Communictions Satellite Program. Class: Communications. Type: Military. Destination: Geosynchronous Orbit. Nation: USA. Agency: U.S. Air Force. Manufacturer: Aeronutronics.

Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDCSP) spacecraft were launched in the 1960's to provide America's first geosynchronous orbit communications system.

In late October 1964, Philco-Ford Corporation was assigned prime contractor responsibilities to design, develop and assemble both the satellites and the multiple-launch dispensers for the Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDCSP). Under the overall direction of the Defense Communications Agency, the space hardware portion of the program was the responsibility of the Air Force Space Systems Division, assisted by the Aerospace Corporation. The Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program provided the Pentagon with its first geosynchronous communications system. IDCSP satellites were spin-stabilized 26 sided polygons, 86 cm in diameter, covered with solar panels, and had a mass of 45 kg. 8 were dispensed on a single Titan 3C orbit in slightly sub-synchronous orbits, where they would drift about thirty degrees per day; the idea was that a backup was always visible to the earth station if one failed. On June 16, 1966, an Air Force Titan III-C rocket launched 7 IDCSP satellites (plus a gravity-gradient experimental satellite) into near-synchronous equatorial orbit at an altitude of approximately 34,000 km to initiate the network-19 months from the start of hardware design. On January 18, 1967, 8 additional satellites were launched and on July 1, 1967, 4 more were sent into orbit. IDCSP satellites transmitted reconnaissance photos and other data during the Viet Nam War. They were succeeded by NATO and DSCS true geosynchronous satellites.

Typical orbit: 33464 km x 33957 km at 1.2 to 11.9 degrees inclina. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Associated Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C.

IDCSP Chronology
  • 1964 October 1 - Philco-Ford contracted for Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDCSP). -

    Philco-Ford Corporation was assigned prime contractor responsibilities to design, develop and assemble both the satellites and the multiple-launch dispensers for the Initial Defense Communications Satellite Program (IDCSP). The IDCSP provided the Pentagon with its first geosynchronous communications system.

  • 1966 August 26 - IDCSP (8) ... IDCSP (14) - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. FAILURE: Payload fairing broke up 78 seconds after launch.

    8 satellites, each weighing 45 kg.

  • 1966 June 16 - IDCSP 1-1 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,656 km (20,912 mi). Apogee: 33,888 km (21,056 mi). Inclination: 8.30 deg. Period: 1,334.40 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1966 June 16 - IDCSP 1-7 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,711 km (20,947 mi). Apogee: 34,359 km (21,349 mi). Inclination: 5.00 deg. Period: 1,347.60 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1966 June 16 - IDCSP 1-2 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,657 km (20,913 mi). Apogee: 33,923 km (21,078 mi). Inclination: 4.90 deg. Period: 1,335.30 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1966 June 16 - IDCSP 1-4 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,694 km (20,936 mi). Apogee: 34,017 km (21,137 mi). Inclination: 8.00 deg. Period: 1,338.60 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1966 June 16 - IDCSP 1-5 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,712 km (20,947 mi). Apogee: 34,093 km (21,184 mi). Inclination: 8.90 deg. Period: 1,340.90 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1966 June 16 - IDCSP 1-6 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,707 km (20,944 mi). Apogee: 34,215 km (21,260 mi). Inclination: 8.70 deg. Period: 1,343.90 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1966 June 16 - IDCSP 1-3 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,669 km (20,920 mi). Apogee: 33,955 km (21,098 mi). Inclination: 8.30 deg. Period: 1,336.40 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1967 January 18 - IDCSP 2-2 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,533 km (20,836 mi). Apogee: 33,830 km (21,020 mi). Inclination: 8.50 deg. Period: 1,329.90 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1967 January 18 - IDCSP 2-4 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,579 km (20,864 mi). Apogee: 33,873 km (21,047 mi). Inclination: 8.50 deg. Period: 1,332.10 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1967 January 18 - IDCSP 2-3 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,549 km (20,846 mi). Apogee: 33,843 km (21,029 mi). Inclination: 8.30 deg. Period: 1,330.70 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1967 January 18 - IDCSP 2-7 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,622 km (20,891 mi). Apogee: 34,127 km (21,205 mi). Inclination: 8.60 deg. Period: 1,339.50 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1967 January 18 - IDCSP 2-1 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,518 km (20,827 mi). Apogee: 33,829 km (21,020 mi). Inclination: 8.70 deg. Period: 1,329.50 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1967 January 18 - IDCSP 2-6 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,631 km (20,897 mi). Apogee: 33,995 km (21,123 mi). Inclination: 11.80 deg. Period: 1,336.50 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1967 January 18 - IDCSP 2-8 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,666 km (20,919 mi). Apogee: 34,224 km (21,265 mi). Inclination: 8.60 deg. Period: 1,343.10 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1967 January 18 - IDCSP 2-5 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,599 km (20,877 mi). Apogee: 33,935 km (21,086 mi). Inclination: 8.50 deg. Period: 1,334.20 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1967 July 1 - IDCSP 3-4 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 68 kg (149 lb). Perigee: 33,145 km (20,595 mi). Apogee: 33,560 km (20,850 mi). Inclination: 11.90 deg. Period: 1,313.50 min.

    Antenna tests. Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1967 July 1 - IDCSP 3-3 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,079 km (20,554 mi). Apogee: 33,547 km (20,845 mi). Inclination: 11.90 deg. Period: 1,311.60 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1967 July 1 - IDCSP 3-2 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,046 km (20,533 mi). Apogee: 33,517 km (20,826 mi). Inclination: 11.90 deg. Period: 1,310.00 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1967 July 1 - IDCSP 3-1 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,030 km (20,520 mi). Apogee: 33,515 km (20,825 mi). Inclination: 11.90 deg. Period: 1,309.60 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1968 June 13 - IDCSP 4-2 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,724 km (20,955 mi). Apogee: 33,863 km (21,041 mi). Inclination: 7.40 deg. Period: 1,335.50 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1968 June 13 - IDCSP 4-6 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,739 km (20,964 mi). Apogee: 34,118 km (21,199 mi). Inclination: 9.40 deg. Period: 1,342.20 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1968 June 13 - IDCSP 4-7 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,721 km (20,953 mi). Apogee: 34,256 km (21,285 mi). Inclination: 7.50 deg. Period: 1,345.20 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1968 June 13 - IDCSP 4-8 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,752 km (20,972 mi). Apogee: 34,442 km (21,401 mi). Inclination: 7.70 deg. Period: 1,350.60 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1968 June 13 - IDCSP 4-4 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,743 km (20,966 mi). Apogee: 33,939 km (21,088 mi). Inclination: 9.20 deg. Period: 1,337.90 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1968 June 13 - IDCSP 4-1 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,725 km (20,955 mi). Apogee: 33,850 km (21,030 mi). Inclination: 11.90 deg. Period: 1,335.20 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1968 June 13 - IDCSP 4-3 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,722 km (20,953 mi). Apogee: 33,901 km (21,065 mi). Inclination: 9.40 deg. Period: 1,336.40 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

  • 1968 June 13 - IDCSP 4-5 - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Titan 3C. Mass: 45 kg (99 lb). Perigee: 33,721 km (20,953 mi). Apogee: 34,035 km (21,148 mi). Inclination: 7.40 deg. Period: 1,339.60 min.

    Space craft engaged in investigation of spaceflight techniques and technology (US Cat A).

Bibliography and Further Reading
  • McDowell, Jonathan, Jonathan's Space Home Page, Harvard University, 1997-present. Jonathan McDowell's complete on-line listing of all objects orbited and over 20,000 rocket launches Accessed at: http://www.planet4589.org/jsr.html.
  • Bramscher, Robert G, Spaceflight, "A Survey of Launch Vehicle Failures", 1980, Volume 22, page 351.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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