30th Anniversary Milestone: First Defense Satellite Communications System satellite launch

10/30/2012 - Peterson AFB, Colo.  -- Air Force Space Command is celebrating its 30th Anniversary! Here is a significant milestone from the command's history ...

On 30 October 1982, the first Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS-III) satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. As the backbone of the U.S. military's global satellite communications capabilities, the DSCS constellation provides nuclear-hardened, anti-jam, high data rate, long-haul communications to users worldwide.

DSCS supports the defense communications system, the Army's ground mobile forces, the Air Force's airborne terminals, Navy ships at sea, the White House Communications Agency, the State Department, and special users. Overall DSCS responsibility resides in the United States Strategic Command, but is supported by the 3rd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo.