Description:
Defense Support Program (DSP) is a satellite constellation developed by TRW, now Northrop-Grumman, as the spaceborne segment of NORAD's Tactical Warning and Attack Assessment system since 1970. DSP satellites key element is its infrared sensor payload which detects and tracks ballistic missiles and also detects nuclear explosions and space launches. Since its inception TRW/Northrop-Grumman has been providing updates to the DSP spacecraft which has translated into lower procurement cost, extended service life and increased capabilities.
The first DSP launch occurred in 1970. The last of 23 DSP spacecraft was put into orbit in May 2005 by a Boeing Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle-Heavy (EELV-H). In the early 2000s DSP's infrared sensor proved suitable for providing early warning for natural disasters like volcanic eruptions and forest fires. As of early 2006, the US Air Force plans call for replacing DSP constellation with far more capable STSS, formerly SBIRS-low, and SBIRS-high constellations beginning in 2007.
Specifications Performance: Orbit 36,000 km (19,438 nm)
News
Operators
United States of America / 23
Spacecraft
DSP 19 / Decommissioned
Launch Vehicle:
Titan IVB Launch Site:
Undisclosed Site Launch Date:
Friday, April 09, 1999 Termination Date:
Thursday, July 31, 2008
DSP 23
Launch Vehicle:
Delta IV Launch Site:
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Date:
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Notes (*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)
United States of America / 23