# USA-167

> American military communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q23933929](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23933929)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-167

## Summary
USA-167 is an American military communications satellite that was launched on March 11, 2003 from Cape Canaveral using a Delta IV Medium rocket.

## Key Facts
- It is classified as a communications satellite designed for telecommunications
- The satellite was launched on March 11, 2003
- Its COSPAR identification number is 2003-008A
- It was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37B
- The launch vehicle was a Delta IV Medium
- It has aliases including DSCS-3 A3 and USA 167
- It is an American military communications satellite

## FAQs
### Q: When was USA-167 launched?
A: USA-167 was launched on March 11, 2003.

### Q: What type of satellite is USA-167?
A: It is an American military communications satellite designed for telecommunications.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle for USA-167?
A: The Delta IV Medium launch vehicle was used to launch USA-167.

### Q: Where was USA-167 launched from?
A: USA-167 was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37B.

## Why It Matters
USA-167 represents a critical component of the United States military's communications infrastructure, providing secure and reliable telecommunications capabilities for military operations. As a military communications satellite, it plays a vital role in enabling command and control, intelligence gathering, and tactical communications across various operational domains. The satellite's deployment enhances the nation's strategic communications capabilities, ensuring that military forces maintain effective communication links during operations, whether in peacetime or conflict scenarios. Its role in supporting military operations demonstrates the importance of space-based communications systems in modern warfare and national defense strategies.

## Notable For
- It is specifically classified as a military communications satellite, distinguishing it from civilian or commercial communications satellites
- It operates within the DSCS-3 system, which is a dedicated military communications satellite constellation
- The Delta IV Medium launch vehicle provided the necessary payload capacity and performance for deploying this military communications satellite
- Its COSPAR ID (2003-008A) and aliases (DSCS-3 A3, USA 167) establish its unique identification within the satellite registry
- The launch from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37B represents a standard military satellite launch site, highlighting the operational procedures for deploying such critical national security assets

## Body
### Technical Specifications
USA-167 is an artificial satellite designed for telecommunications purposes, specifically serving as a military communications satellite. The satellite operates within the DSCS-3 system, which is part of the United States military's communications infrastructure. It was deployed using a Delta IV Medium launch vehicle, which provided the necessary thrust and payload capacity for the mission.

### Launch Details
The satellite was successfully launched on March 11, 2003, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37B. The Delta IV Medium rocket, designated as D-296, provided the orbital insertion capabilities required to place the satellite into its operational orbit. The launch represented a standard military satellite deployment procedure, utilizing established launch infrastructure and procedures.

### Operational Classification
As a communications satellite, USA-167 falls under the broader category of artificial satellites designed to facilitate telecommunications. Its military designation indicates it serves national security purposes, providing secure communications capabilities for military operations. The satellite's classification as part of the DSCS-3 system places it within a specific military communications architecture.

### Identifier Information
The satellite is identified by multiple designations: its official designation is USA-167, while it is also known as DSCS-3 A3. The COSPAR identification number 2003-008A provides a standardized international identifier for tracking and cataloging the satellite in space mission registries. These identifiers help in tracking the satellite's orbital parameters and operational status.

## References

1. [Source](http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/dscs-3.htm)
2. [Source](http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/delta-4.htm)
3. Jonathan's Space Report