DSP 3-5

USA

Spacecraft n°:

USA satellite n°:

Defense Support Programm
Also known as IMEWS-18 and USA 130 or DSP 18

Launch data:

Designation 24737 / 97008A
Launch date 24 Feb 1997 - 20:20 UT
Launch site CC, LC-40
Launch vehicle Titan 4(02)B/IUS (4B-24)
MissionMilitary: Early Warning
Geostationary orbit:
Perigee / Apogee 35780 x 35800 km
Eccentricity 2.37E-04
Inclination 0.1 deg
Period 1436.27 min

Specifications:

Prime contractor TRW and Aerojet Electronics Systems
Platform  
Operator  Air Force
Mass at launch 2380 kg
Mass in orbit  
Dimension 6.7 m dia x 10 m long (deployed)
Solar array  
Stabilization spin stabilized
DC power 1485 W
Design lifetime  5 yrs - still active

Probably downlinks in S- and X-band. Has a wide field infrared telescope to provide real-time warning of missile launches (6000 infrared detectors)
Infrared sensors to detect heat from missile and booster plumes against earth's background; detection capability of smaller missiles; improved warning of attack by short-range missiles against U.S. and allied forces.

Ref: #7, #14, #15, #78a, #226 - upadte: 19.05.10