Artist's conception of DSCS satellite in orbit. Photo: Lockheed Martin

An Air Force Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) spacecraft with significant performance upgrades was recently shipped by prime contractor Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space to Cape Canaveral Air Station, Fla., for a launch tentatively scheduled in January.

The DSCS III B8 spacecraft, the first of four remaining super high-frequency communications satellites to feature Service Life Enhancement Program (SLEP) upgrades, will provide improved uninterrupted secure voice and high data rate communications to its Department of Defense users.

This satellite, the eleventh of 14, will join 10 other DSCS satellites currently on orbit. The three remaining DSCS III satellites will also feature the SLEP upgrades that provide increased downlink power, improved connectivity to its antennas and upgraded transponded channels.

Missiles & Space has full responsibility for the third generation of 14 DSCS III spacecraft to include storage, launch preparation, operations support and modifications.

Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space, Sunnyvale, Calif., is an operating company within Lockheed Martin Space Systems, headquartered in Bethesda, Md. It is a leading supplier of satellites to military, civil government and commercial communications organizations around the world. These spacecraft have enhanced military and civilian communications; provided new, extensive and timely weather data; studied the Earth and space; and furnished new data for thousands of scientists studying our planet and the space around it.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced-technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's core businesses are systems integration, space, aeronautics, and technology services. Employing more than 160,000 people worldwide, Lockheed Martin had 1998 sales surpassing $26 billion.