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Satellite Data System
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<p>The Satellite Data System (SDS) is a system of United States <a href="/facts/Military_satellite/nLyVkEy1">military communications satellites</a>. At least three generations have been used: SDS-1 from 1976 to 1987; SDS-2 from 1989 to 1996; SDS-3 from 1998 to the present. It is believed that these satellites were known by the code name <i>Quasar</i>. The first generation was named simply 'SDS', the second generation was named 'Quasar' and the third generation each had their own designations. </p>