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DMSP Block 5D-2

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USA 106 Credit: Manufacturer Image

AKA: Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. Status: Operational 1982. First Launch: 1982-12-21. Last Launch: 1997-04-04. Number: 9 . Gross mass: 770 kg (1,690 lb). Height: 3.40 m (11.10 ft).

The DMSP 5D-2 satellites operated in two-satellite constellations to provide world-wide meteorological, oceanographic and solar-terrestrial physics measurements on a twice-daily basis. The visible and infrared sensors collected images of global cloud distribution across a 3,000 km swath during both daytime and night time conditions.

The coverage of the microwave imager and sounders were one-half the visible and infrared sensors coverage, covering the polar regions above 60 deg on a twice-daily basis, but the equatorial region on a daily basis. The space environmental sensors recorded along-track plasma densities, velocities, composition and drifts. The spacecraft was based on the GE Tiros bus and 3-axis stabilized using reaction wheels and torque rods to within 0.01 deg. The hydrazine propulsion system was used for orbit insertion, a nitrogen propulsion system for stationkeeping. Star sensors and gyros provided 0.01 deg. knowledge. An Earth sensor and sun were sensor carried as backups. Data was stored on a tape recorder. The solar array generated 900 W (BOL) and recharged NiCd batteries with 30 AHr capacity. S-band communications were via 5 W RF, 5 MHz bandwidth, omni antennas. The satellites were controlled from Offutt AFB, Nebraska with terminals at Loring AFB, Maine; Fairchild AFB, Washington; and AFRTS Hawaii. The payload mass of 110 kg, included:

• Operational Linescan System (OLS) - visible/infrared imager
• SSM/T - atmospheric sounder producing cloud temperature profiles
• SSM/I - microwave imager measuring ice coverage, precipitation areas and intensities, cloud water content, ocean surface wind speeds
• SSB/X2 - gamma and x-ray spectrometer
• SSJ/4 - measured proton and electron densities
• SSM - magnetometer.

The R&D cost for DMSP 5D-2 was $ 7.6 million. The first joined 5 earlier generation DMSP's still operating in orbit. Launch of 8 more continued through 1997.

• 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..

• 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..

• 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..

• 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..

• 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..

• 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..

• 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..

• 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..

• 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.