DMSP

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DMSP

Series of military weather satellites launched as part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program.

The first CORONA photos in August 1960 convinced authorities that knowledge of cloud cover over Russia was necessary and could be obtained only via satellite. Since the civilian TIROS program could not yet meet the requirement, the Director, National Reconnaissance Office authorized an 'interim' effort - the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. The satellite series continued to be updated and served into the 21st Century.

Launched by "Blue-Scout" boosters, the system would operate for one year until TIROS could take over. Program II began officially on 1 August 1961. Colonel Thomas Haig accepted the program director's position on three conditions: that he could use fixed-price, firm-schedule contracts; that he could select the personnel for his program office; and, that he did not have to use a civilian system engineering and technical direction (SE&TD) contractor. When TIROS delays persisted, Program II continued as Program 35. Confronted by problems of operating the meteorological satellites within the ground system designed for CORONA, Haig proposed two dedicated ground stations and a separate control center operated solely by Air Force personnel-no contractors. Ten months later the nation's first operational satellite program manned entirely by Air Force military personnel became a reality.

After the "Blue Scout" booster proved inadequate, Haig proposed refurbishing Thor intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) and adding a second stage plus parts from other boosters to create a new launch vehicle. The latter, dubbed "Burner I," solved the booster problems and simultaneously provided a convenient way to dispose of an embarrassing excess of Thors returned from Europe. No longer an "interim" effort, the military weather satellite received yet another name-Program 417. Its use was expanded to provide information on cloud cover for aircraft flights during the Cuban missile crisis, the evacuation of civilians from the Congo, and air operations in Vietnam.

Haig and his "blue-suit" crew were deeply involved in engineering and development aspects of the program. They designed essential parts for the Burner boosters, invented magnetic spin-rate control of the satellite, conceived and introduced innovations which greatly reduced the cost of ground stations, and developed simplified tracking software. The precedents established and attitudes generated in Haig's program office persisted long after the military meteorological satellite program was declassified and dubbed the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP). The satellite series continued to be updated and served into the 21st Century.

More at: DMSP.

Country: USA. Spacecraft: Program 35, DMSP Block 4A, DMSP Block 5A, DMSP Block 5B, DMSP Block 5C, DMSP Block 5D, DMSP Block 5D-2, DMSP Block 5D-3. Launch Vehicles: Atlas E, Scout X-2M, Scout X-3M, Scout X-2B, Thor MG-18, Thor Burner 1, Thor Burner 2, Thor Burner 2A, Thor DSV-2U, Titan II SLV, Delta 4M. Launch Sites: Vandenberg. Agency: USAF, AFSC, RCA.

1962 May 24 - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC5. LV Family: Scout. Launch Vehicle: Scout X-2M. FAILURE: Failure.. Failed Stage: U.

P 35-1 - . Payload: FTV 3501. Nation: USA. Agency: USAF AFSC. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: Program 35. Decay Date: 1962-05-24 . Military weather satellite to provide targetting information for reconnaisance satellites..

1962 August 23 - . 11:44 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC5. LV Family: Scout. Launch Vehicle: Scout X-2M.

P 35-2 - . Mass: 91 kg (200 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: Program 35. USAF Sat Cat: 369 . COSPAR: 1962-A-Omicron-1. Apogee: 752 km (467 mi). Perigee: 578 km (359 mi). Inclination: 98.50 deg. Period: 98.10 min. Military weather satellite to provide targetting information for reconnaisance satellites..

1963 February 19 - . 16:33 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC5. LV Family: Scout. Launch Vehicle: Scout X-3M.

P 35-3 - . Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: Program 35. Decay Date: 1979-12-26 . USAF Sat Cat: 533 . COSPAR: 1963-005A. Apogee: 810 km (500 mi). Perigee: 488 km (303 mi). Inclination: 100.50 deg. Period: 97.80 min. Military weather satellite to provide targetting information for reconnaisance satellites..

1963 April 26 - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC5. LV Family: Scout. Launch Vehicle: Scout X-2M. FAILURE: Failure.. Failed Stage: U.

P 35-4 - . Payload: OPS 1298. Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: Program 35. Decay Date: 1963-04-26 . Military weather satellite to provide targetting information for reconnaisance satellites..

1963 September 27 - . 11:17 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC5. LV Family: Scout. Launch Vehicle: Scout X-2B. FAILURE: Failure.. Failed Stage: U.

P 35-5 - . Payload: OPS 1610. Mass: 40 kg (88 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: Program 35. Decay Date: 1963-09-27 . Military weather satellite to provide targetting information for reconnaisance satellites..

1965 January 19 - . 05:03 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor MG-18.

DMSP-Block-4A F1 - . Payload: DAPP 10 / OPS 7040. Mass: 150 kg (330 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 4A. Decay Date: 1979-07-13 . USAF Sat Cat: 973 . COSPAR: 1965-003A. Apogee: 833 km (517 mi). Perigee: 462 km (287 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 97.60 min.
The first Air Force Thor/Altair (Burner I) space booster was launched from Vandenberg AFB. The Altair upper stage was the fourth stage of the Scout rocket. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. Launch date was January 18, 1965. The launch was successful and correct orbit was achieved. However, the heat shield on the second stage did not deploy correctly and the mission objectives were not fully realized. This first Burner I bird is distinguishable in photos by its black second stage.

1965 March 18 - . 04:43 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor MG-18.

DMSP-Block-4A F2 - . Payload: DAPP 11 / OPS 7353. Mass: 130 kg (280 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 4A. Decay Date: 1989-12-31 . USAF Sat Cat: 1273 . COSPAR: 1965-021A. Apogee: 146 km (90 mi). Perigee: 139 km (86 mi). Inclination: 99.00 deg. Period: 87.30 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. A fully successful launch with all objectives met. The night launch time of 2100 hrs Vandenberg time with a 5 minute launch window was the same for both the first and second Burner I launches..

1965 May 20 - . 16:30 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 1.

DMSP-Block-4A F3 - . Payload: DAPP 12 / OPS 8386. Mass: 130 kg (280 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 4A. Decay Date: 2012-03-09 . USAF Sat Cat: 1377 . COSPAR: 1965-038A. Apogee: 731 km (454 mi). Perigee: 503 km (312 mi). Inclination: 98.10 deg. Period: 97.10 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1965 September 10 - . 04:41 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 1.

DMSP-Block-4A F4 - . Payload: DAPP 13 / OPS 8068. Mass: 130 kg (280 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 4A. USAF Sat Cat: 1580 . COSPAR: 1965-072A. Apogee: 993 km (617 mi). Perigee: 635 km (394 mi). Inclination: 98.50 deg. Period: 101.20 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1966 January 8 - . 04:48 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 1. FAILURE: Second stage failed.. Failed Stage: 2.

DMSP-Block-4A F5 - . Payload: DAPP 14/OPS 2394. Mass: 130 kg (280 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 4A. Decay Date: 1966-01-06 . Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1966 March 31 - . 05:41 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 1.

DMSP-Block-4A F6 - . Payload: DAPP 15 / OPS 0340. Mass: 130 kg (280 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 4A. USAF Sat Cat: 2125 . COSPAR: 1966-026A. Apogee: 855 km (531 mi). Perigee: 604 km (375 mi). Inclination: 98.30 deg. Period: 99.40 min. The last Thor/Altair (Burner I) was launched from Vandenberg AFB. The improved Burner II would replace the Altair upper stage. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1966 September 16 - . 04:36 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2.

DMSP-Block-4A F7 - . Payload: DAPP 1416 (FTV-3) / OPS 6026. Mass: 125 kg (275 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 4A. USAF Sat Cat: 2418 . COSPAR: 1966-082A. Apogee: 857 km (532 mi). Perigee: 674 km (418 mi). Inclination: 98.30 deg. Period: 100.20 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1967 February 8 - . 08:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2.

DMSP-Block-4A F8 - . Payload: DAPP 2418 (FTV-2) / OPS 6073. Mass: 130 kg (280 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 4A. USAF Sat Cat: 2669 . COSPAR: 1967-010A. Apogee: 846 km (525 mi). Perigee: 771 km (479 mi). Inclination: 99.10 deg. Period: 101.10 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program; lower than planned orbit, but still operational..

1967 August 23 - . 04:41 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2.

DMSP-Block-4A F9 - . Payload: DAPP 3419 (FTV-4) / OPS 7202. Mass: 130 kg (280 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 4A. USAF Sat Cat: 2920 . COSPAR: 1967-080A. Apogee: 873 km (542 mi). Perigee: 818 km (508 mi). Inclination: 98.90 deg. Period: 101.90 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1967 October 11 - . 07:57 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2.

DMSP-Block-4A F10 - . Payload: DAPP 4417 (FTV-5) / OPS 1264. Mass: 130 kg (280 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 4A. USAF Sat Cat: 2980 . COSPAR: 1967-096A. Apogee: 796 km (494 mi). Perigee: 638 km (396 mi). Inclination: 99.20 deg. Period: 99.10 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1968 May 23 - . 04:38 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2.

DMSP-Block-4A F11 - . Payload: DAPP 4B F-1 (FTV-8) / OPS 7869. Mass: 130 kg (280 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 4A. USAF Sat Cat: 3266 . COSPAR: 1968-042A. Apogee: 883 km (548 mi). Perigee: 806 km (500 mi). Inclination: 98.90 deg. Period: 101.80 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1968 October 23 - . 04:34 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2.

DMSP-Block-4A F12 - . Payload: DAPP 6422 (FTV-7) / OPS 4078. Mass: 130 kg (280 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 4A. USAF Sat Cat: 3510 . COSPAR: 1968-092A. Apogee: 828 km (514 mi). Perigee: 783 km (486 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. Period: 101.00 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1969 July 23 - . 04:39 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2.

DMSP-Block-4A F13 - . Payload: DAPP 7421 (FTV-6) / OPS 1127. Mass: 130 kg (280 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 4A. USAF Sat Cat: 4047 . COSPAR: 1969-062A. Apogee: 835 km (518 mi). Perigee: 768 km (477 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 100.90 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1970 February 11 - . 08:40 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2.

DMSP-Block-5A F1 - . Payload: DAPP 1524 / OPS 0054. Mass: 195 kg (429 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5A. USAF Sat Cat: 4331 . COSPAR: 1970-012A. Apogee: 840 km (520 mi). Perigee: 749 km (465 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 100.80 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1970 September 3 - . 08:39 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2.

DMSP-Block-5A F2 - . Payload: DAPP 2525 / OPS 0203. Mass: 195 kg (429 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5A. USAF Sat Cat: 4512 . COSPAR: 1970-070A. Apogee: 837 km (520 mi). Perigee: 739 km (459 mi). Inclination: 99.00 deg. Period: 100.60 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1971 February 17 - . 03:52 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2.

DMSP-Block-5A F3 - . Payload: DAPP 3526 / OPS 5268. Mass: 195 kg (429 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5A. USAF Sat Cat: 4953 . COSPAR: 1971-012A. Apogee: 799 km (496 mi). Perigee: 741 km (460 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. Period: 100.20 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1971 October 14 - . 07:51 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2A.

DMSP-Block-5B F1 - . Payload: DMSP 4527 / OPS 4311. Mass: 195 kg (429 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5B. USAF Sat Cat: 5557 . COSPAR: 1971-087A. Apogee: 850 km (520 mi). Perigee: 772 km (479 mi). Inclination: 99.10 deg. Period: 101.10 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1972 March 24 - . 08:46 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2A.

DMSP-Block-5B F2 - . Payload: DMSP 5528 / OPS 5058. Mass: 195 kg (429 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5B. USAF Sat Cat: 5903 . COSPAR: 1972-018A. Apogee: 858 km (533 mi). Perigee: 781 km (485 mi). Inclination: 98.90 deg. Period: 101.30 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1972 November 9 - . 03:23 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2A.

DMSP-Block-5B F3 - . Payload: DMSP 6530 / OPS 7323. Mass: 195 kg (429 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5B. USAF Sat Cat: 6275 . COSPAR: 1972-089A. Apogee: 841 km (522 mi). Perigee: 785 km (487 mi). Inclination: 98.60 deg. Period: 101.10 min.
A Thor/Delta booster launched from Cape Canaveral successfully placed a Canadian communications satellite, ANIK I, into orbit. This was the 75th Thor/Delta to be launched from the Cape and the first Long Tank Thrust Augmented Thor/Delta to be launched from the Cape with nine strap-on solid rocket motors. It placed the Telestar-A (ANIK) communications satellite in orbit for Canada. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program.

1973 May 24 - .

Two SAMSO offices were elevated to deputy level effective 1 July. - . Spacecraft: Navstar, DMSP.
The Directorate for Defense Navigation Satellite System (XRN) of the Deputy for Development Plans became the Deputy for Defense Navigation Satellite System (YE) and the Defense System Applications System Program Office (S'ZH) became the Deputy for Defense System Applications (YD), later to be redesignated Deputy for Defense Meteorological Satellite Systems in January 1974.

1973 August 17 - . 04:49 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2A.

DMSP-Block-5B F4 - . Payload: DMSP 7529 / OPS 8364. Mass: 195 kg (429 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5B. USAF Sat Cat: 6787 . COSPAR: 1973-054A. Apogee: 819 km (508 mi). Perigee: 779 km (484 mi). Inclination: 98.90 deg. Period: 100.90 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1974 March 16 - . 08:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2A.

DMSP-Block-5B F5 - . Payload: DMSP 8531 / OPS 8579. Mass: 195 kg (429 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5B. USAF Sat Cat: 7218 . COSPAR: 1974-015A. Apogee: 846 km (525 mi). Perigee: 757 km (470 mi). Inclination: 99.10 deg. Period: 100.90 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1974 August 9 - . 03:22 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2A.

DMSP-Block-5C F1 - . Payload: DMSP 9532 / OPS 6983. Mass: 195 kg (429 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5C. USAF Sat Cat: 7411 . COSPAR: 1974-063A. Apogee: 844 km (524 mi). Perigee: 779 km (484 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 101.10 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1975 May 24 - . 03:22 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2A.

DMSP-Block-5C F2 - . Payload: DMSP 10533 / OPS 6226. Mass: 194 kg (427 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5C. USAF Sat Cat: 7816 . COSPAR: 1975-043A. Apogee: 880 km (540 mi). Perigee: 794 km (493 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. Period: 101.70 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1976 February 19 - . 07:52 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Burner 2A. FAILURE: Early booster cut-off due to incorrect calculation of the Thor fuel load.. Failed Stage: G.

DMSP-Block-5C F3 - . Payload: DMSP 11534/Star 26B S/N 009 / OPS 5140. Mass: 175 kg (385 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5C. Decay Date: 1976-02-19 . USAF Sat Cat: 8696 . COSPAR: 1976-016A. Apogee: 361 km (224 mi). Perigee: 89 km (55 mi). Inclination: 98.90 deg. Period: 88.90 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program; unusable orbit. Last of the Thor Burner missions..

1976 May 22 - .

DMSP 5C satellite F-31 was declared non-operational. - . Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5C.

1976 September 11 - . 08:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor DSV-2U.

AMS 1 - . Payload: DMSP 5D S-1 / OPS 5721. Mass: 450 kg (990 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D. USAF Sat Cat: 9415 . COSPAR: 1976-091A. Apogee: 833 km (517 mi). Perigee: 804 km (499 mi). Inclination: 98.50 deg. Period: 101.30 min. A Thor booster carrying the first DMSP Block 5D satellite was launched from SLC-10, Western Test Range. The launch was successful but the satellite lost stability and began to tumble after attaining orbit. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1976 December 9 - .

DMSP 5C satellite F-29 was declared non-operational. - . Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5C.

1977 Feb - .

DMSP tracking system was installed at Hickam AFB - . Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5C.
A tracking system was installed at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, that allowed Hickam to track DMSP satellites and receive data directly from them. The system was declared operational in June, and Hickam began functioning as a weather readout station in the DMSP system.

1977 Apr - .

Second production DMSP terminal installed aboard an aircraft carrier. - . Spacecraft: DMSP. The Navy completed installation of a DMSP production model shipboard terminal aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. This was the second production model DMSP terminal to be installed aboard an aircraft carrier..

1977 June 5 - . 02:59 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor DSV-2U.

AMS 2 - . Payload: DMSP 5D S-2/Star 37S S/N 15003 / OPS 5644. Mass: 450 kg (990 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D. USAF Sat Cat: 10033 . COSPAR: 1977-044A. Apogee: 849 km (527 mi). Perigee: 788 km (489 mi). Inclination: 99.00 deg. Period: 101.30 min.
An LV-2F booster launched the second DMSP Block 5D satellite into orbit from Vandenberg AFB, California. The launch was marred by a series of anomalies which put the satellite in a retrograde orbit and a spinning condition. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program.

1977 Sep - .

DMSP Mark I and II ground terminals to be upgraded. - . Spacecraft: DMSP. The Sacramento Air Logistics Center began procuring tracking systems that would be used to convert DMSP Mark I and II ground terminals to an upgraded configuration called the Mark IIA..

1977 December 1 - .

Last two DMSP Block 5C satellites turned off. - . Spacecraft Bus: DMSP. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5C. The Air Weather Service decided that it no longer required support from DMSP Block 5C satellites, and the two remaining Block 5C satellites were turned off permanently. This ended the Block 5C era..

1978 May 1 - . 03:05 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor DSV-2U.

AMS 3 - . Payload: DMSP 5D S-3 / OPS 6182. Mass: 513 kg (1,130 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D. USAF Sat Cat: 10820 . COSPAR: 1978-042A. Apogee: 799 km (496 mi). Perigee: 786 km (488 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. Period: 100.70 min. A Thor LV-2F was launched from Vandenberg AFB carrying the third DMSP Block 5D-1 satellite. The launch was successful, and the spacecraft and its sensors functioned normally once in orbit. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1978 Jun - .

Transportable terminal for the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. - . Spacecraft: DMSP. SAMSO awarded a $4.72 million contract to the Harris Corporation to develop and produce the Mark IV transportable terminal for the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1979 June 6 - . 18:22 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor DSV-2U.

AMS 4 - . Payload: DMSP 5D S-5 / OPS 5390. Mass: 513 kg (1,130 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D. USAF Sat Cat: 11389 . COSPAR: 1979-050A. Apogee: 826 km (513 mi). Perigee: 805 km (500 mi). Inclination: 98.60 deg. Period: 101.20 min. A Thor LV-2F booster successfully launched the fourth DMSP Block 5D-1 satellite into low earth orbit. The launch site was Space Launch Complex 10, Vandenberg AFB, California. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1980 July 15 - . 02:22 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC10W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor DSV-2U. FAILURE: Separation problem gutted wiring from spacecraft.. Failed Stage: 2.

AMS 5 - . Payload: DMSP 5D S-4. Mass: 513 kg (1,130 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D. Decay Date: 1980-07-14 .
Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. Although there was a press release immediately after the launch (by the spacecraft SPO) that said the 2nd stage motor exploded, in reality the problem was found to be due to poor design of the electrical connectors between the 2nd and third stages and a separation problem that ripped the wiring out of the spacecraft.

1982 December 21 - . 02:38 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3W. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas E.

AMS 5 - . Payload: DMSP S-6 / OPS 9845. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: TIROS N. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. USAF Sat Cat: 13736 . COSPAR: 1982-118A. Apogee: 810 km (500 mi). Perigee: 797 km (495 mi). Inclination: 98.60 deg. Period: 100.90 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1983 November 18 - . 06:32 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3W. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas E.

DMSP-Block-5B5D2-2 - . Payload: DMSP S-7 / OPS 1294. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: TIROS N. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. USAF Sat Cat: 14506 . COSPAR: 1983-113A. Apogee: 818 km (508 mi). Perigee: 801 km (497 mi). Inclination: 98.40 deg. Period: 101.10 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1987 June 20 - . 02:34 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3W. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas E.

USA 26 - . Payload: DMSP S-9/Star 37S S/N 15019. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: TIROS N. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. USAF Sat Cat: 18123 . COSPAR: 1987-053A. Apogee: 848 km (526 mi). Perigee: 828 km (514 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 101.70 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1988 February 3 - . 05:53 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3W. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas E.

USA 29 - . Payload: DMSP S-8/Star 37S S/N 15021. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: TIROS N. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. USAF Sat Cat: 18822 . COSPAR: 1988-006A. Apogee: 817 km (507 mi). Perigee: 807 km (501 mi). Inclination: 98.50 deg. Period: 101.10 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1990 December 1 - . 15:57 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3W. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas E. FAILURE: Failure of the spacecraft's TEM-364-15 AKM nozzle due to a manufacturing defect led to the satellite being placed into lower than planned orbit.. Failed Stage: P.

USA 68 - . Payload: DMSP S-10. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: TIROS N. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. USAF Sat Cat: 20978 . COSPAR: 1990-105A. Apogee: 837 km (520 mi). Perigee: 724 km (449 mi). Inclination: 98.70 deg. Period: 100.50 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program; broken nozzle prevented satellite from reaching desired orbit..

1991 November 28 - . 13:23 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3W. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas E.

USA 73 - . Payload: DMSP S-12/Star 37S S/N 15029. Mass: 830 kg (1,820 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: TIROS N. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. USAF Sat Cat: 21798 . COSPAR: 1991-082A. Apogee: 852 km (529 mi). Perigee: 835 km (518 mi). Inclination: 99.00 deg. Period: 101.80 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. 500th Atlas launch..

1994 August 29 - . 17:38 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3W. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas E.

USA 106 - . Payload: DMSP 23545/Star 37S S/N 15030 / DMSP 5D-1 F12. Mass: 830 kg (1,820 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: TIROS N. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. USAF Sat Cat: 23233 . COSPAR: 1994-057A. Apogee: 860 km (530 mi). Perigee: 840 km (520 mi). Inclination: 98.89 deg. Period: 101.94 min. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program..

1995 March 24 - . 14:05 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC3W. LV Family: Atlas. Launch Vehicle: Atlas E.

USA 109 - . Payload: DMSP 24547/Star 37S / DMSP F13. Mass: 750 kg (1,650 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: TIROS N. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. USAF Sat Cat: 23533 . COSPAR: 1995-015A. Apogee: 854 km (530 mi). Perigee: 845 km (525 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 101.90 min. Last successful Atlas E space launch..

1997 April 4 - . 16:47 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC4W. LV Family: Titan. Launch Vehicle: Titan II SLV.

USA 131 - . Payload: DMSP 5D-2 F-14. Mass: 770 kg (1,690 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Manufacturer: RCA. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: TIROS N. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-2. USAF Sat Cat: 24753 . COSPAR: 1997-012A. Apogee: 855 km (531 mi). Perigee: 842 km (523 mi). Inclination: 98.90 deg. Period: 101.90 min.

1998 May 29 - .

Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. - . Nation: USA. Spacecraft: DMSP. Air Force Space Command transferred control of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)..

2006 November 4 - . 13:53 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC6. LV Family: Delta IV. Launch Vehicle: Delta 4M.

DMSP-Block-5D3-F17 - . Mass: 1,154 kg (2,544 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: USAF. Program: DMSP. Class: Earth. Type: Weather satellite. Spacecraft Bus: TIROS N. Spacecraft: DMSP Block 5D-3. USAF Sat Cat: 29522 . COSPAR: 2006-050A. Apogee: 855 km (531 mi). Perigee: 841 km (522 mi). Inclination: 98.80 deg. Period: 101.90 min.
Defense Meteorological Satellite Program satellite with the Operational Linescan System camera, a microwave imager-sounder, ultraviolet spectrometers, particle detectors, a magnetometer, and a laser threat warning sensor. Reportedly went for a time into safe mode due to software problems after launch. The booster upper stage was conducted a maneuver to deorbit itself after placing the satellite in orbit. After the burn an explosion evidently occurred aboard the stage - dozens of objects were tracked in various orbits with perigees down to 670 km and apogees up to 851 km.

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