DSP 3-7

USA

Spacecraft n°:

USA satellite n°:

Defense Support Programm
Also called DSP F20 or USA 149

Launch data:

Designation26356 / 00024A
Launch date08 May 2000 - 16:01 UT
Launch siteCC, LC-40
Launch vehicle Titan 4(02)B/IUS (#4B-29)
MissionMilitary: Early Warning
Geostationary orbit on April 2010:
Perigee / Apogee 35897 x 35909 km
Eccentricity 1.42E-04
Inclination 4.08 deg
Period 142.08 min

Specifications:


Prime contractor TRW and Aerojet Electronics Systems
Platform  
Operator  Air Force
Mass at launch 2380 kg
Mass in orbit  
Basic shape  Stepped cyl + 2 panels
Dimension 11.5 m long, 3.2 dia
Solar array  6.7 m span
Stabilization spin stabilized
DC power 1485 W
Design lifetime  7-9 yrs - still active

Location:

DatePositionRemarks
 April 2010  36.25° W 


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, #226 - update: 19.05.10