# USA 134

> satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q123679430](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123679430)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-134

## Summary
USA 134 is a U.S. military communications satellite launched on October 25, 1997, as part of the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) III program. It was deployed using an Atlas IIA rocket from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36 to support secure military communications. The satellite is identified by designations including SCN 25019 and COSPAR ID 1997-065A.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: October 25, 1997
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas IIA
- **COSPAR ID**: 1997-065A
- **Aliases**: DSCS III-B13, DSCS B13
- **SCN**: 25019
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36
- **Classification**: Artificial satellite (DSCS III series)

## FAQs
### Q: When was USA 134 launched?
A: USA 134 was launched on October 25, 1997, aboard an Atlas IIA rocket from Cape Canaveral.

### Q: What is the purpose of USA 134?
A: USA 134 is a military communications satellite designed to provide secure and reliable communication services for U.S. Department of Defense operations.

### Q: What are the key identifiers for USA 134?
A: The satellite is identified by COSPAR ID 1997-065A, SCN 25019, and aliases DSCS III-B13 and DSCS B13.

## Why It Matters
USA 134 plays a critical role in the U.S. military’s communication infrastructure as part of the DSCS III network. This system ensures global, secure, and survivable communications for strategic and tactical operations, supporting national security objectives. As a geostationary satellite, USA 134 enhances the reliability and redundancy of military communications, enabling command and control functions during peacetime and crisis scenarios. Its launch in 1997 contributed to the modernization of U.S. satellite communications, reflecting advancements in payload technology and launch systems of the era.

## Notable For
- **DSCS III Series Membership**: Part of the third generation of Defense Satellite Communications System satellites, designed for extended operational lifespans and improved capabilities.
- **Atlas IIA Launch Vehicle**: Utilized the Atlas IIA rocket, a reliable U.S. expendable launch system used for numerous military and civilian payloads.
- **Strategic Designations**: Holds multiple identifiers (COSPAR, SCN, DSCS aliases) critical for tracking and operational management.
- **Geostationary Role**: Operates in a geostationary orbit to provide continuous coverage for military communications.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date**: October 25, 1997
- **Rocket**: Atlas IIA (launch vehicle)
- **Site**: Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36

### Satellite Specifications
- **Type**: Artificial satellite (DSCS III-B13)
- **Identifiers**:
  - **SCN**: 25019
  - **COSPAR ID**: 1997-065A
  - **NSSDCA ID**: 1997-065A
- **Aliases**: DSCS III-B13, DSCS B13

### Mission Purpose
USA 134 was deployed to support the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) III network, a constellation of geostationary satellites providing secure, high-priority communications for U.S. military commands, including nuclear forces and crisis management operations. The DSCS III series introduced improved transmission capabilities and cross-link functionality compared to earlier models.

### Historical Context
The satellite’s launch in 1997 aligned with U.S. efforts to modernize its military space assets during the post-Cold War era. The Atlas IIA rocket, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, was a workhorse for Department of Defense launches, emphasizing the mission’s strategic importance. USA 134’s deployment underscored the growing reliance on space-based systems for real-time global communications in military operations.

## References

1. 1997 in spaceflight
2. SATCAT