# USA-170

> American military communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q23933954](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23933954)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/usa-170

## Summary  
USA‑170, also catalogued as DSCS‑3 B6, is an American military communications satellite launched on 29 August 2003. It was placed into orbit by a Delta IV Medium launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 37B.

## Key Facts  
- **Designation:** USA‑170 (also known as DSCS‑3 B6).  
- **Mission type:** Military communications satellite (instance of “communications satellite”).  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2003‑040A.  
- **Satellite catalog number (SCN):** 27875.  
- **Launch date:** 29 August 2003.  
- **Launch vehicle:** Delta IV Medium (variant D‑301).  
- **Launch site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37B, Florida, USA.  
- **Significant event:** Successful rocket launch delivering USA‑170 to orbit on the same date and site.  
- **Purpose:** Provides secure, high‑capacity communications for United States armed forces.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is USA‑170?  
A: USA‑170 is a U.S. military communications satellite, part of the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) series, launched in 2003 to deliver secure communications for the armed forces.  

### Q: When and how was USA‑170 launched?  
A: It was launched on 29 August 2003 aboard a Delta IV Medium rocket (variant D‑301) from Cape Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 37B.  

### Q: What are the alternative names for USA‑170?  
A: The satellite is also referred to as DSCS‑3 B6 and simply USA 170.  

### Q: What is the satellite’s catalog number?  
A: USA‑170 is listed in the satellite catalog with the identifier 27875.  

### Q: What role does USA‑170 serve?  
A: It provides high‑bandwidth, secure communications links for U.S. military operations worldwide.  

## Why It Matters  
USA‑170 represents a critical component of the United States’ strategic communications infrastructure. By delivering encrypted, high‑capacity voice, data, and video links, the satellite enables commanders to maintain real‑time connectivity across global theaters of operation. Its deployment aboard the Delta IV Medium launch vehicle demonstrated the reliability of this launch system for placing valuable military payloads into orbit. As part of the DSCS‑3 series, USA‑170 contributes to the redundancy and resilience of the nation’s space‑based communications network, ensuring that mission‑critical information can be transmitted securely even in contested environments. The satellite’s continued operation supports a wide range of defense activities, from tactical battlefield coordination to strategic command and control, underscoring the indispensable role of space assets in modern military capability.  

## Notable For  
- First DSCS‑3 satellite launched on a Delta IV Medium vehicle.  
- Utilises the high‑precision launch site at Cape Canaveral SLC‑37B.  
- Assigned the unique catalog number 27875 in the global satellite registry.  
- Provides secure, high‑throughput communications for U.S. armed forces worldwide.  
- Part of a long‑standing series (DSCS) that underpins U.S. military space communications.  

## Body  

### Overview  
USA‑170 (DSCS‑3 B6) is a U.S. military communications satellite classified under the “communications satellite” type. It is designed to deliver encrypted, high‑capacity communications for defense applications.  

### Launch Details  
- **Date:** 29 August 2003.  
- **Vehicle:** Delta IV Medium, variant D‑301.  
- **Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37B, Florida, USA.  
- **Event:** Successful rocket launch placed USA‑170 into its intended orbit.  

### Technical Identifiers  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2003‑040A (international designator).  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 27875, as recorded in the satellite database.  
- **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** `Entity["Satellite", "27875"]`.  

### Classification & Role  
- **Instance of:** Communications satellite.  
- **Mission:** Provides secure, high‑bandwidth communications for the United States military, supporting voice, data, and video transmission across global operational areas.  

### Related Entities  
- **Communications satellite (class):** Artificial satellites built for telecommunications.  
- **Delta IV Medium (class):** A variant of the Delta IV launch family used for medium‑payload missions.  

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*All information above is drawn directly from the provided source material.*

## 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