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SLDCOM (TLD)

SLDCOM under construction [NRL]

These satellites are the dispenser satellites for the NOSS-2 triplet ocean surveillance satellites. They consist of the TLD (Titan Launch Dispenser) propulsion module, the SLDCOM (Satellite Launch Dispenser Communications) UHF communication payload. After deploying the three improved Parcae (NOSS-2) payloads to a 1100 km × 1100 km, 63.4° orbit, the satellites maneuvered to a 1100 km × 9000 km, 64.3° orbit.

The Satellite Launch Dispenser Communications System (SLDCOM) is an R&D bent pipe UHF satellite communications system managed by the National Reconnaissance Office Operational Support Office (NRO/OSO). The SLDCOM constellation currently consists of three satellites in elliptical orbits providing near continuous coverage in Northern latitudes. SLDCOM provides tactical intelligence focused support to a broad community of users consisting of uniformed military services and government agencies for both exercises and operations. The SLDCOM Integrated Communications System (ICS) is a tuneable UHF Receive/Transmit System (225-400 MHz) that provides Analog And Digital Repeater, Digital Store And Forward, And Uplink/Downlink Format, Modulation and Rate Conversion to support TRAP and AJTRAP BCST (Anti-Jam TRAP Broadcast) scheduled broadcasting. It also provides E-Mail System service.

The space segment features multiple transponders in elliptical orbits, with a flexible service focused north of the equator including independently tunable frequencies and remote commanding. The ground segment features flexible functional applications that are requirement driven. Tactical equipment present at organizations normally suffices for RF processing, though some specialized applications utilize tracking antennas. Sample missions include: Data Broadcast and Communications TRAP broadcast and Secondary Imagery Dissemination. The 18th Airborne Corps used SLDCOM support during Desert Storm/Shield, with hubs in Washington & Dhahran Saudi Arabia transmitting to multiple deployed units. It used omni-directional antennas to relay Unmanned Aerial Vehicle derived data to field units near-real-time.

Nation: USA
Type / Application: Communication
Operator: NRO
Contractors: Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)
Equipment: UHF transponder
Configuration: ?
Propulsion: AJ-23-153 ?
Power:
Lifetime:
Mass:
Orbit: 1100 km × 9000 km, 64.3°
Satellite COSPAR Date LS Launch Vehicle Remarks
SLDCOM 1 (USA 59) 1990-050A 08.06.1990 CC LC-41 Titan-4(05)A with Parcae 10A, Parcae 10B, Parcae 10C
SLDCOM 2 (USA 72) 1991-076A 08.11.1991 Va SLC-4E Titan-4(03)A with Parcae 11A, Parcae 11B, Parcae 11C
SLDCOM 3 1993-F02 02.08.1993 Va SLC-4E F Titan-4(03)A with Parcae 12A, Parcae 12B, Parcae 12C
SLDCOM 4 (USA 122) 1996-029D 12.05.1996 Va SLC-4E Titan-4(03)A with Parcae 13A, Parcae 13B, Parcae 13C, TiPS 1a, TiPS 1b

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