IDCSP

completedLaunch 1966-053

Launched 6/16/1966GEOService GSat GEO SO

Admin Edit

Payloads

Assets deployed on this mission, enriched from spacecraft records.

8 payloads

GGTS

retired

Technology Demonstration

Launch Details

Launch Date: 6/16/1966
Launch ID: 1966-053
Launch Profile: Sat GEO SO
Service Type: G
Orbit: GEO

Launch Stack

Operator: U.S. Space Systems Command
Launch Vehicle: Titan IIIC
Launch Site: Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)US

Payload Summary

Payload Count: 8
Constellations: 1
Payload Status: retired 8
Payload Mission Types: Communications 7 / Technology Demonstration 1

Mentions

All verified mentions of this mission in source documents.

The Air Force focused on the Initial Defense Communication Satellite Program (IDCSP), later renamed the Initial Defense Satellite Communications System (IDSCS).

GeneralValue 3.2Feb 16, 2026When second best is good enough: The Initial Defense Satellite Communications System