Defense Meteorological Satellite Program: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:Paul-McCrone-DMSP-F18-FClr-Day-Fog-Stratus-Fullq-281641Z-DEC-10 1293583405.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|DMSP images of [[Aurora (astronomy)|Auroral bands]] circling north of [[Scandinavia]] in December 2010]]
The '''Defense Meteorological Satellite Program''' ('''DMSP''') monitors [[meteorological]], oceanographic, and solar-terrestrial physics for the [[United States Department of Defense]]. The program is managed by the [[United States Space Force]] with on-orbit operations provided by the [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] (NOAA).<ref>{{cite web|title=Schriever Airmen assist during satellite program move |url=http://www.schriever.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123040078|publisher=Schriever Air Force Base|access-date=2008-02-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203231708/http://www.schriever.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123040078|archive-date=2009-12-03}}</ref> The (originally classified) mission of the satellites was revealed in March 1973. They provide cloud cover imagery from [[polar orbit]]s that are [[Sun-synchronous orbit|Sun-synchronous]] at nominal altitude of {{cvt|830|km}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1965-072A|title=DMSP 1965-072A|publisher=NASA|access-date=2008-02-25}}</ref> 


The '''Defense Meteorological Satellite Program''' ('''DMSP''') monitors [[meteorological]], oceanographic, and solar-terrestrial physics for the [[United States Department of Defense]]. The program is managed by the [[United States Space Force]] with on-orbit operations provided by the [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] (NOAA).<ref>{{cite web|title=Schriever Airmen assist during satellite program move |url=http://www.schriever.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123040078|publisher=Schriever Air Force Base|access-date=2008-02-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203231708/http://www.schriever.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123040078|archive-date=2009-12-03}}</ref> The (originally classified) mission of the satellites was revealed in March 1973. They provide cloud cover imagery from [[polar orbit]]s that are [[Sun-synchronous orbit|Sun-synchronous]] at nominal altitude of {{cvt|830|km}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1965-072A|title=DMSP 1965-072A|publisher=NASA|access-date=2008-02-25}}</ref>
All data ingestion, processing, and distribution by [[Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center]] (FNMOC) was set to be permanently terminated as of June 30, 2025 due to a "significant cybersecurity risk." However, the Earth Science Division Director at NASA, Dr. Karen Germain, requested that the decommission be delayed due to the short notice provided. FNMOC now expects to continue to ingest and disseminate data until July 31, 2025. <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/data/messages/2025/06/MSG_20250630_0345.html |access-date=2025-06-30 |website=www.ospo.noaa.gov}}</ref>  


== History ==
== History ==
[[Image:Earthlights dmsp 1994–1995.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Rendering of lights on Earth's surface created using DMSP observations between 1994 and 1995]]
[[File:Operational polar satellites.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|DMSP and POES orbits shown in a GAO diagram.]]Early in 1963 [[The Aerospace Corporation]] recommended that the U.S. Air Force develop a dedicated military meterological satellite, and the Defense Department agreed.<ref>Spires</ref> The main emphasis would be on cloud-cover photography, but planners expected to add more sophisticated equipment when it became available. Later, when civilian weather satellites improved their capabilities and could satisfy most military requirements, the Defense Department continued to prefer a separate system responsive to the "dynamic" needs of the military. As a result, the Air Force embarked on the first segment of what became known initially as the Defense Satellite Applications Program (DSAP), or Program 417.
Early in 1963 [[The Aerospace Corporation]] recommended that the U.S. Air Force develop a dedicated military meterological satellite, and the Defense Department agreed.<ref>Spires</ref> The main emphasis would be on cloud-cover photography, but planners expected to add more sophisticated equipment when it became available. Later, when civilian weather satellites improved their capabilities and could satisfy most military requirements, the Defense Department continued to prefer a separate system responsive to the "dynamic" needs of the military. As a result, the Air Force
embarked on the first segment of what became known initially as the Defense
Satellite Applications Program (DSAP), or Program 417.  


During the 1960s, one of the most important projects that the United States civil [[space program]] was involved in dealt with [[meteorology]] and weather forecasting. Unbeknownst to many, the [[United States Armed Forces|U.S. military]] services were also starting up a [[weather satellite]] program. This program, the DMSP, would relay important weather and [[climate]] data to the military for more effective operations. From the onset of the DMSP program, knowledge of its existence was limited to "need-to-know" personnel. The [[United States Congress]] had assigned a substantial budget towards the civil weather satellite program; if knowledge of a second military program came out, it would have been hard for the military to justify it.{{Citation needed|date=September 2019}}
During the 1960s, one of the most important projects that the United States civil [[space program]] was involved in dealt with [[meteorology]] and weather forecasting. Unbeknownst to many, the [[United States Armed Forces|U.S. military]] services were also starting up a [[weather satellite]] program. This program, the DMSP, would relay important weather and [[climate]] data to the military for more effective operations. From the onset of the DMSP program, knowledge of its existence was limited to "need-to-know" personnel. The [[United States Congress]] had assigned a substantial budget towards the civil weather satellite program; if knowledge of a second military program came out, it would have been hard for the military to justify it.{{Citation needed|date=September 2019}}
 
[[File:WR Fair1.jpg|thumb|FAIR Operations room ca. 1977]]
Initial operations of early DMSP systems provided radio return of cloud-cover imagery for planning of U.S. high-resolution photographic reconnaissance and surveillance missions, which utilized [[Mid-air retrieval|film-return systems]]. DMSP satellites operated in a [[Sun-synchronous orbit]]; passing over the north and south poles, the satellite would see different strips of the [[Earth]] at the same local time each day. The DMSP satellites had [[Orbital period|period]]s of roughly 101.0 minutes, so they would orbit the Earth 14.3 times in 24 hours. This period combined with the Sun-synchronous orbit would have the satellite [[ground track|pass over]] the whole surface of the planet twice a day.
Initial operations of early DMSP systems provided radio return of cloud-cover imagery for planning of U.S. high-resolution photographic reconnaissance and surveillance missions, which utilized [[Mid-air retrieval|film-return systems]]. DMSP satellites operated in a [[Sun-synchronous orbit]]; passing over the north and south poles, the satellite would see different strips of the [[Earth]] at the same local time each day. The DMSP satellites had [[Orbital period|period]]s of roughly 101.0 minutes, so they would orbit the Earth 14.3 times in 24 hours. This period combined with the Sun-synchronous orbit would have the satellite [[ground track|pass over]] the whole surface of the planet twice a day.[[File:Old Night Vision Meets New (8247956644).jpg|thumb|Comparison of [[Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite]] (VIIRS) and Operational Linescan System (OLS)]]The images acquired were relayed to the Earth and received by two command and readout stations {{when|date=August 2013}}<!-- this would obviously not be at the same period of years where the data was returned via film canister and mid-air retrieval. --> established at retired [[Project Nike|Nike missile]] sites located near [[Fairchild Air Force Base]] in [[Washington (state)|Washington State]] and [[Loring Air Force Base]] in [[Maine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zianet.com/jpage/spysats/weather/dmsp.html|title=Defense Meteorological Support (sic) Program|work=The High Ground|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070214011934/http://www.zianet.com/jpage/spysats/weather/dmsp.html|archive-date=2007-02-14}}</ref> From these sites, the images were then sent to Air Force Global Weather Central (AFGWC) located at [[Offutt Air Force Base]], [[Nebraska]]. Images would then be processed, forming a mosaic representing the cloud patterns that were observed from the orbiting satellites. Meteorologists could then provide [[flight crew]]s and other commanders with up-to-date observations for their particular missions. Further advancements enabled data to be collected in the visual spectrum, down to a half-moonlit scene. [[Infrared]] processing enabled night viewing. Other enhancements increased on-board processing; this includes multiple on-board computers and expanded power requirements.{{citation needed|date=August 2013}}[[Image:Earthlights dmsp 1994–1995.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Rendering of lights on Earth's surface created using DMSP observations between 1994 and 1995]]
 
[[Image:Paul-McCrone-DMSP-F18-FClr-Day-Fog-Stratus-Fullq-281641Z-DEC-10 1293583405.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|right|DMSP images of [[Aurora (astronomy)|Auroral bands]] circling north of [[Scandinavia]] in December 2010]]
[[File:Operational polar satellites.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left|DMSP and POES orbits shown in a GAO diagram.]]
 
The images acquired were relayed to the Earth and received by two command and readout stations {{when|date=August 2013}}<!-- this would obviously not be at the same period of years where the data was returned via film canister and mid-air retrieval. --> established at retired [[Project Nike|Nike missile]] sites located near [[Fairchild Air Force Base]] in [[Washington (state)|Washington State]] and [[Loring Air Force Base]] in [[Maine]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zianet.com/jpage/spysats/weather/dmsp.html|title=Defense Meteorological Support (sic) Program|work=The High Ground|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070214011934/http://www.zianet.com/jpage/spysats/weather/dmsp.html|archive-date=2007-02-14}}</ref> From these sites, the images were then sent to Air Force Global Weather Central (AFGWC) located at [[Offutt Air Force Base]], [[Nebraska]]. Images would then be processed, forming a mosaic representing the cloud patterns that were observed from the orbiting satellites. Meteorologists could then provide [[flight crew]]s and other commanders with up-to-date observations for their particular missions. Further advancements enabled data to be collected in the visual spectrum, down to a half-moonlit scene. [[Infrared]] processing enabled night viewing. Other enhancements increased on-board processing; this includes multiple on-board computers and expanded power requirements.{{citation needed|date=August 2013}}


Now in its fifth decade of service, the DMSP program has proven itself to be a valuable tool in scheduling and protecting military operations on land, at sea, and in the air. Because the Air Force weather satellite program began with the mission of providing weather data for Strategic Air Command and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), DSAP remained classified until 17 April 1973, when Secretary
Now in its fifth decade of service, the DMSP program has proven itself to be a valuable tool in scheduling and protecting military operations on land, at sea, and in the air. Because the Air Force weather satellite program began with the mission of providing weather data for Strategic Air Command and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), DSAP remained classified until 17 April 1973, when Secretary
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decision to use satellite weather data in the Vietnam conflict and to provide it to
decision to use satellite weather data in the Vietnam conflict and to provide it to
both the Commerce Department and the general scientific community warranted
both the Commerce Department and the general scientific community warranted
declassification of the DSAP mission and release of some of its performance data. In December 1973 the Defense Department changed the name to the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP). On 1 June 1998, the control and maintenance of the satellites were transferred to [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] (NOAA) in order to reduce costs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.310sw.afrc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=14161|title=Factsheets : 6th Space Operations Squadron|access-date=2013-08-26|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710213821/http://www.310sw.afrc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=14161|archive-date=2013-07-10}}</ref>
declassification of the DSAP mission and release of some of its performance data. In December 1973 the Defense Department changed the name to the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP). On 1 June 1998, the control and maintenance of the satellites were transferred to [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] (NOAA) in order to reduce costs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.310sw.afrc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=14161 |title=Factsheets : 6th Space Operations Squadron |access-date=2013-08-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710213821/http://www.310sw.afrc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=14161 |archive-date=2013-07-10}}</ref>


DMSP was to be replaced by the [[Defense Weather Satellite System]] (DWSS) but that was cancelled in 2012. In 2017, the Air Force awarded a contract to build the first of the new defense weather satellites, the [[Weather System Follow-on Microwave]] (WSF-M) satellite.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Russell|first1=Kendall|title=Ball Aerospace Wins Air Force Contract for New Weather Satellite |date=30 November 2017|url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/telecom/2017/11/30/ball-aerospace-wins-air-force-contract-new-weather-satellite/|access-date=12 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213010123/http://www.satellitetoday.com/telecom/2017/11/30/ball-aerospace-wins-air-force-contract-new-weather-satellite/|archive-date=13 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
DMSP was to be replaced by the [[Defense Weather Satellite System]] (DWSS) but that was cancelled in 2012. In 2017, the Air Force awarded a contract to build the first of the new defense weather satellites, the [[Weather System Follow-on Microwave]] (WSF-M) satellite.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Russell|first1=Kendall|title=Ball Aerospace Wins Air Force Contract for New Weather Satellite |date=30 November 2017|url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/telecom/2017/11/30/ball-aerospace-wins-air-force-contract-new-weather-satellite/|access-date=12 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213010123/http://www.satellitetoday.com/telecom/2017/11/30/ball-aerospace-wins-air-force-contract-new-weather-satellite/|archive-date=13 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
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== Launch history ==
== Launch history ==
[[File:Old Night Vision Meets New (8247956644).jpg|thumb|Comparison of [[Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite]] (VIIRS) and Operational Linescan System (OLS)]]
[[File:DMSP SLC-10.PNG|thumb|DMSP 4A shroud at [[SLC-10]]]]
DMSP was initially known as '''Program 35'''. The first successful launch of a Program 35 spacecraft used a [[Scout (rocket family)#Scout designations|Scout X-2]] rocket lifting off from [[Point Arguello]] near [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]] on 23 August 1962.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1962-039A|title=P35 2 - NSSDC ID: 1962-039A|publisher=NASA|access-date=2008-05-31 }} {{PD-notice}}</ref><ref name=shaltanis>{{cite web|url=http://www.zianet.com/tangoz/fourgrnd/History2.html|title=Defense Meteorological Satellite Program History|last=Shaltanis|first=Capt Dan A.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720163749/http://www.zianet.com/tangoz/fourgrnd/History2.html|archive-date=2008-07-20}}</ref> This was P35-2, the earlier P35-1 launch on 24 May 1962 had failed to reach orbit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://astronautix.com/craft/proram35.htm|title=Program 35|publisher=Encyclopedia Astronautica|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212002039/http://astronautix.com/craft/proram35.htm|archive-date=2012-02-12}}</ref> All five Program 35 launch attempts using [[Scout (rocket family)|Scout]] launch vehicle, including the two successes, were made from Vandenberg [[Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5|SLC-5]]. Other early launches were conducted using [[Thor-Burner]] launch vehicles, with [[Altair (rocket stage)|Altair]] or [[Burner (rocket stage)|Burner II]] upper [[multistage rocket|stages]]. Program 35 had by this time been renamed the '''Data Acquisition and Processing Program''', and the '''DAPP''' acronym is sometimes used for these satellites.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1970-070A|title=DMSP 5A/F2 - NSSDC ID: 1970-070A|publisher=NASA|access-date=2008-02-25}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> Eight satellites were launched using [[Atlas E/F|Atlas E]] launch vehicles between 1982 and 1995. Three were launched aboard [[LGM-25C Titan II#Titan II launch vehicle|Titan II]] vehicles between 1997 and 2003. One has been launched on a [[Delta IV]] rocket.
DMSP was initially known as '''Program 35'''. The first successful launch of a Program 35 spacecraft used a [[Scout (rocket family)#Scout designations|Scout X-2]] rocket lifting off from [[Point Arguello]] near [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]] on 23 August 1962.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1962-039A|title=P35 2 - NSSDC ID: 1962-039A|publisher=NASA|access-date=2008-05-31 }} {{PD-notice}}</ref><ref name="shaltanis">{{cite web|url=http://www.zianet.com/tangoz/fourgrnd/History2.html|title=Defense Meteorological Satellite Program History|last=Shaltanis|first=Capt Dan A.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720163749/http://www.zianet.com/tangoz/fourgrnd/History2.html|archive-date=2008-07-20}}</ref> This was P35-2, the earlier P35-1 launch on 24 May 1962 had failed to reach orbit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://astronautix.com/craft/proram35.htm|title=Program 35|publisher=Encyclopedia Astronautica|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212002039/http://astronautix.com/craft/proram35.htm|archive-date=2012-02-12}}</ref> All five Program 35 launch attempts using [[Scout (rocket family)|Scout]] launch vehicle, including the two successes, were made from Vandenberg [[Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 5|SLC-5]]. Other early launches were conducted using [[Thor-Burner]] launch vehicles, with [[Altair (rocket stage)|Altair]] or [[Burner (rocket stage)|Burner II]] upper [[multistage rocket|stages]]. Program 35 had by this time been renamed the '''Data Acquisition and Processing Program''', and the '''DAPP''' acronym is sometimes used for these satellites.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1970-070A|title=DMSP 5A/F2 - NSSDC ID: 1970-070A|publisher=NASA|access-date=2008-02-25}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> Eight satellites were launched using [[Atlas E/F|Atlas E]] launch vehicles between 1982 and 1995. Three were launched aboard [[LGM-25C Titan II#Titan II launch vehicle|Titan II]] vehicles between 1997 and 2003. One has been launched on a [[Delta IV]] rocket.


The most recent launch of a DMSP satellite, DMSP-F19, occurred on 3 April 2014, from Vandenberg aboard an [[Atlas V]] launch vehicle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/170/ |title=United Launch Alliance Marks 80th Successful Launch by Delivering Air Force's Weather Satellite to Orbit|date=April 3, 2014|publisher=United Launch Alliance|access-date=December 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207160150/http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/170/|archive-date=December 7, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The most recent launch of a DMSP satellite, DMSP-F19, occurred on 3 April 2014, from Vandenberg aboard an [[Atlas V]] launch vehicle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/170/ |title=United Launch Alliance Marks 80th Successful Launch by Delivering Air Force's Weather Satellite to Orbit|date=April 3, 2014|publisher=United Launch Alliance|access-date=December 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207160150/http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/170/|archive-date=December 7, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>


=== Block 1 ===
=== Block 1 ===
[[File:DMSP Block-1.jpg|thumb|DMSP 1 Satellite]]
The DSAP-1 (Defense Satellite Application Program Block 1) satellites series, also known as P-35, was the first series of military meteorological satellites of the United States. The project designation P-698BH was used concurrently with P-35 from June 1962 and P-35 became P-417 in October 1962. The designation DMSP-1 (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 1) was retroactively assigned to these satellites.
The DSAP-1 (Defense Satellite Application Program Block 1) satellites series, also known as P-35, was the first series of military meteorological satellites of the United States. The project designation P-698BH was used concurrently with P-35 from June 1962 and P-35 became P-417 in October 1962. The designation DMSP-1 (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 1) was retroactively assigned to these satellites.


{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" border="1"
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! align="center" colspan="100" |Block 1
! colspan="100" align="center" |Block 1
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!Name
!Name
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! colspan="100" align="center" |Block 2
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!Name
!Name
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===Block 4A===
===Block 4A===
[[File:DMSP Block-4.jpg|thumb|DMSP 4 Satellite]]The DSAP-4A (Defense Satellite Application Program Block 4A) satellites series consisted of ten satellites, launched between 1965 and 1967. The designation DMSP-4A (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 4A) was retroactively assigned to these satellites.
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===Block 5A===
===Block 5A===
[[File:DMSP Block5.jpg|thumb|DMSP 5 Satellite]]
[[File:DMSP Block-5A.jpg|thumb|DMSP Block-5A Satellite]]The DSAP-5A (Defense Satellite Application Program Block 5A) satellites series consisted of six satellites, launched between 1968 and 1971. The designation DMSP-5A (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 5A) was retroactively assigned to these satellites.
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===Block 5B===
===Block 5B===
The DSAP-5B (Defense Satellite Application Program Block 5B) satellites series consisted of five satellites, launched between 1971 and 1974. The designation DMSP-5B (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 5B) was assigned to these satellites.
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===Block 5C===
===Block 5C===
The DSAP-5C (Defense Satellite Application Program Block 5C) satellites series consisted of three satellites, launched between 1974 and 1976. The designation DMSP-5C (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 5C) was assigned to these satellites.
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===Block 5D===
===Block 5D===
[[File:DMSP Block 5D1.PNG|thumb|DMSP 5D-1 diagram]]
[[File:DMSP Block 5D2.PNG|thumb|DMSP 5D-2 diagram]]The DSAP-5D (Defense Satellite Application Program Block 5D) satellites series consisted of nineteen satellites, launched between 1976 and 2014. The designation DMSP-5D (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 5D) was assigned to these satellites.
In 2015, Congress voted to terminate the DMSP program and to scrap the DMSP 5D-3/F20 satellite, ordering the Air Force to move on to a next-generation system. The Air Force had intended to keep DMSP F20 in climate-controlled storage at a Lockheed Martin clean room in Sunnyvale, California, for a time in case it needed to be called up for launch in the coming years,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Clark |first1=Stephen |date=30 March 2016 |title=Air Force ends effort to recover DMSP weather satellite |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2016/03/30/air-force-ends-effort-to-recover-dmsp-weather-satellite/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808120452/https://spaceflightnow.com/2016/03/30/air-force-ends-effort-to-recover-dmsp-weather-satellite/ |archive-date=8 August 2018 |access-date=24 November 2017 |work=Spaceflight Now}}</ref>  and in the aftermath of the failure of DMSP 5D-3/F19, the USAF was reconsidering the future of DMSP-5D3 F-20. However, in late 2016, the USAF began scrapping DMSP-5D3 F-20.
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|In orbit (5D-2 suite of instruments)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/d/dmsp-block-5d|title=DMSP Block 5D-3 Satellite Series|website=Earth Observation Portal|language=en-US|access-date=2018-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325232206/https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/d/dmsp-block-5d|archive-date=2018-03-25|url-status=live}}</ref>
|In orbit and decommissioned in 2020 (5D-2 suite of instruments)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/d/dmsp-block-5d|title=DMSP Block 5D-3 Satellite Series|website=Earth Observation Portal|language=en-US|access-date=2018-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325232206/https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/d/dmsp-block-5d|archive-date=2018-03-25|url-status=live}}</ref>
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In 2015, Congress voted to terminate the DMSP program and to scrap the DMSP 5D-3/F20 satellite, ordering the Air Force to move on to a next-generation system. The Air Force had intended to keep DMSP F20 in climate-controlled storage at a Lockheed Martin clean room in Sunnyvale, California, for a time in case it needed to be called up for launch in the coming years,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Clark|first1=Stephen|title=Air Force ends effort to recover DMSP weather satellite|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2016/03/30/air-force-ends-effort-to-recover-dmsp-weather-satellite/|access-date=24 November 2017|work=Spaceflight Now|date=30 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808120452/https://spaceflightnow.com/2016/03/30/air-force-ends-effort-to-recover-dmsp-weather-satellite/|archive-date=8 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>  and in the aftermath of the failure of DMSP 5D-3/F19, the USAF was reconsidering the future of DMSP-5D3 F-20. However, in late 2016, the USAF began scrapping DMSP-5D3 F-20.
==Photo gallery==
<gallery>
File:DMSP Block-4.jpg|DMSP 4 Satellite
File:DMSP SLC-10.PNG|DMSP 4A Shroud at [[SLC-10]]
File:DMSP Block5.jpg|DMSP 5
File:DMSP Block-5A.jpg|DMSP 5A Satellite
File:DMSP Block 5D1.PNG|DMSP 5D-1
File:DMSP Block 5D2.PNG|DMSP 5D-2
File:WR Fair1.jpg|FAIR Operations room ca. 1977
</gallery>
==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Astronomy|Solar System|Space}}
{{Portal|Astronomy|Solar System|Space}}
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* [http://cindispace.utdallas.edu/DMSP SSIES ionospheric instrument data page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080404171918/http://cindispace.utdallas.edu/DMSP/ |date=2008-04-04 }}
* [http://cindispace.utdallas.edu/DMSP SSIES ionospheric instrument data page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080404171918/http://cindispace.utdallas.edu/DMSP/ |date=2008-04-04 }}


{{Template:National Reconnaissance Office}}
{{USAF space vehicles}}
{{USAF space vehicles}}
{{USAF Weapons}}
{{USAF Weapons}}

Latest revision as of 12:44, 1 July 2025

Template:Short description Template:Infobox space program The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) monitors meteorological, oceanographic, and solar-terrestrial physics for the United States Department of Defense. The program is managed by the United States Space Force with on-orbit operations provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).[1] The (originally classified) mission of the satellites was revealed in March 1973. They provide cloud cover imagery from polar orbits that are Sun-synchronous at nominal altitude of Template:Cvt.[2]

All data ingestion, processing, and distribution by Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC) was set to be permanently terminated as of June 30, 2025 due to a "significant cybersecurity risk." However, the Earth Science Division Director at NASA, Dr. Karen Germain, requested that the decommission be delayed due to the short notice provided. FNMOC now expects to continue to ingest and disseminate data until July 31, 2025. [3]

History

File:Operational polar satellites.jpg
DMSP and POES orbits shown in a GAO diagram.

Early in 1963 The Aerospace Corporation recommended that the U.S. Air Force develop a dedicated military meterological satellite, and the Defense Department agreed.[4] The main emphasis would be on cloud-cover photography, but planners expected to add more sophisticated equipment when it became available. Later, when civilian weather satellites improved their capabilities and could satisfy most military requirements, the Defense Department continued to prefer a separate system responsive to the "dynamic" needs of the military. As a result, the Air Force embarked on the first segment of what became known initially as the Defense Satellite Applications Program (DSAP), or Program 417.

During the 1960s, one of the most important projects that the United States civil space program was involved in dealt with meteorology and weather forecasting. Unbeknownst to many, the U.S. military services were also starting up a weather satellite program. This program, the DMSP, would relay important weather and climate data to the military for more effective operations. From the onset of the DMSP program, knowledge of its existence was limited to "need-to-know" personnel. The United States Congress had assigned a substantial budget towards the civil weather satellite program; if knowledge of a second military program came out, it would have been hard for the military to justify it.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

File:WR Fair1.jpg
FAIR Operations room ca. 1977

Initial operations of early DMSP systems provided radio return of cloud-cover imagery for planning of U.S. high-resolution photographic reconnaissance and surveillance missions, which utilized film-return systems. DMSP satellites operated in a Sun-synchronous orbit; passing over the north and south poles, the satellite would see different strips of the Earth at the same local time each day. The DMSP satellites had periods of roughly 101.0 minutes, so they would orbit the Earth 14.3 times in 24 hours. This period combined with the Sun-synchronous orbit would have the satellite pass over the whole surface of the planet twice a day.

File:Old Night Vision Meets New (8247956644).jpg
Comparison of Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and Operational Linescan System (OLS)

The images acquired were relayed to the Earth and received by two command and readout stations Template:When established at retired Nike missile sites located near Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington State and Loring Air Force Base in Maine.[5] From these sites, the images were then sent to Air Force Global Weather Central (AFGWC) located at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Images would then be processed, forming a mosaic representing the cloud patterns that were observed from the orbiting satellites. Meteorologists could then provide flight crews and other commanders with up-to-date observations for their particular missions. Further advancements enabled data to be collected in the visual spectrum, down to a half-moonlit scene. Infrared processing enabled night viewing. Other enhancements increased on-board processing; this includes multiple on-board computers and expanded power requirements.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

File:Earthlights dmsp 1994–1995.jpg
Rendering of lights on Earth's surface created using DMSP observations between 1994 and 1995
File:Paul-McCrone-DMSP-F18-FClr-Day-Fog-Stratus-Fullq-281641Z-DEC-10 1293583405.jpg
DMSP images of Auroral bands circling north of Scandinavia in December 2010

Now in its fifth decade of service, the DMSP program has proven itself to be a valuable tool in scheduling and protecting military operations on land, at sea, and in the air. Because the Air Force weather satellite program began with the mission of providing weather data for Strategic Air Command and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), DSAP remained classified until 17 April 1973, when Secretary of the Air Force Dr. John L. McLucas decided that the Defense Department's decision to use satellite weather data in the Vietnam conflict and to provide it to both the Commerce Department and the general scientific community warranted declassification of the DSAP mission and release of some of its performance data. In December 1973 the Defense Department changed the name to the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP). On 1 June 1998, the control and maintenance of the satellites were transferred to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in order to reduce costs.[6]

DMSP was to be replaced by the Defense Weather Satellite System (DWSS) but that was cancelled in 2012. In 2017, the Air Force awarded a contract to build the first of the new defense weather satellites, the Weather System Follow-on Microwave (WSF-M) satellite.[7]

Losses of satellites

2004 explosion

In 2004 the USAF weather satellite DMSP Block 5D-2 F-11 (S-12) or DMSP-11, launched in 1991 and retired in 1995, exploded in orbit with debris objects generated. It seems likely the fragmentation was due to either a battery explosion or to residual fuel in the attitude control system.[8][9] Later, propulsion was identified as the "assessed cause" of DMSP-11 explosion.[10]

2015 explosion and debris field

On 3 February 2015, the 13th DMSP satellite — DMSP-F13 launched in 1995 — exploded while in a Sun-synchronous polar orbit leaving a debris field of at least 43 to 100 large fragments and more than 50,000 pieces smaller than 1 millimeter.[11] The Joint Space Operations Center at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Lompoc, California is monitoring the expanding debris field, and "will issue conjunction warnings if necessary".[12] The cause of the explosion was the rupturing of an onboard battery due to a design flaw (no collision with another object took place).[13]

2016 failure of DMSP 19 without replacement

On 11 February 2016, a power failure left both the command-and-control subsystem and its backup without the ability to reach the satellite's processor, according to the U.S. Air Force Space Command investigation released in July 2016 that also announced that DMSP 5D-3/F19 was considered to be 'lost'. The satellite's data can still be used, until it ceases pointing the sensors towards the Earth. The satellite was the most recent on-orbit, having been launched on 3 April 2014.[14]

The failure only left F16, F17 and F18 – all significantly past their expected 3–5 year lifespan – operational. F19's planned replacement was not carried out because Congress ordered the destruction of the already constructed F20 probe to save money by not having to pay its storage costs. It is unlikely that a new DMSP satellite would be launched before 2023; by then the three remaining satellites should no longer be operational.[15]

2016 explosion

In October 2016, the 12th DMSP satellite - DMSP-F12 launched in 1994 - exploded in orbit. The satellite had similar battery as the one that exploded in the DMSP-13 satellite, thus raising suspicions that DMSP-12 explosion was also caused by battery problems. At the time the cause of DMSP-12's explosion was however unknown, although a collision with another object did not seem to be the cause. Apparently, very little debris (just one trackable piece) was generated in DMSP-12 explosion. DMSP-12 was decommissioned in 2008.[9]

Near collision

In January 2017, the Joint Space Operations Center announced that two non-maneuverable satellites would come dangerously close, with a collision probability as high as 44%. DMSP F15 and Meteor 1-26 were considered to be the prime candidates for the encounter.[16] The operations center, which announced the possible collision, didn't identify the satellites involved but third party observers determined the most likely candidates.[16] The two did not collide.

NOAA 16 and 17

The NOAA-16 and NOAA-17 weather satellites were based on the same technology as DMSP satellites. NOAA-16 broke up in November 2015, and NOAA-17 disintegrated in orbit on 10 March 2021. [17]

2024 explosion

The DMSP 5D-2/F14 (USA-131), launched 4 Apr 1997 and decommissioned in 2020, exploded in orbit in December 2024.[18][19]

Launch history

File:DMSP SLC-10.PNG
DMSP 4A shroud at SLC-10

DMSP was initially known as Program 35. The first successful launch of a Program 35 spacecraft used a Scout X-2 rocket lifting off from Point Arguello near Vandenberg Space Force Base on 23 August 1962.[20][21] This was P35-2, the earlier P35-1 launch on 24 May 1962 had failed to reach orbit.[22] All five Program 35 launch attempts using Scout launch vehicle, including the two successes, were made from Vandenberg SLC-5. Other early launches were conducted using Thor-Burner launch vehicles, with Altair or Burner II upper stages. Program 35 had by this time been renamed the Data Acquisition and Processing Program, and the DAPP acronym is sometimes used for these satellites.[23] Eight satellites were launched using Atlas E launch vehicles between 1982 and 1995. Three were launched aboard Titan II vehicles between 1997 and 2003. One has been launched on a Delta IV rocket.

The most recent launch of a DMSP satellite, DMSP-F19, occurred on 3 April 2014, from Vandenberg aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle.[24]

Block 1

File:DMSP Block-1.jpg
DMSP 1 Satellite

The DSAP-1 (Defense Satellite Application Program Block 1) satellites series, also known as P-35, was the first series of military meteorological satellites of the United States. The project designation P-698BH was used concurrently with P-35 from June 1962 and P-35 became P-417 in October 1962. The designation DMSP-1 (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 1) was retroactively assigned to these satellites.

Block 2

The DSAP-2 (Defense Satellite Application Program Block 2) satellites series consisted of three modified DSAP-1 satellites, retaining the shape and dimension of the earlier series, featuring improved infrared radiometers. The designation DMSP-2 (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 2) was retroactively assigned to these satellites.

Block 3

The single DSAP-3 (Defense Satellite Application Program Block 3) was a modified DSAP-2 satellite to provide experimental tactical access to weather data, for which a tactical readout station was built near Saigon. The designation DMSP-3 (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 3) was retroactively assigned to this satellite.

Block 4A

File:DMSP Block-4.jpg
DMSP 4 Satellite

The DSAP-4A (Defense Satellite Application Program Block 4A) satellites series consisted of ten satellites, launched between 1965 and 1967. The designation DMSP-4A (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 4A) was retroactively assigned to these satellites.

Block 5A

File:DMSP Block5.jpg
DMSP 5 Satellite
File:DMSP Block-5A.jpg
DMSP Block-5A Satellite

The DSAP-5A (Defense Satellite Application Program Block 5A) satellites series consisted of six satellites, launched between 1968 and 1971. The designation DMSP-5A (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 5A) was retroactively assigned to these satellites.

Block 5B

The DSAP-5B (Defense Satellite Application Program Block 5B) satellites series consisted of five satellites, launched between 1971 and 1974. The designation DMSP-5B (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 5B) was assigned to these satellites.

Block 5C

The DSAP-5C (Defense Satellite Application Program Block 5C) satellites series consisted of three satellites, launched between 1974 and 1976. The designation DMSP-5C (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 5C) was assigned to these satellites.

[41]

Block 5D

File:DMSP Block 5D1.PNG
DMSP 5D-1 diagram
File:DMSP Block 5D2.PNG
DMSP 5D-2 diagram

The DSAP-5D (Defense Satellite Application Program Block 5D) satellites series consisted of nineteen satellites, launched between 1976 and 2014. The designation DMSP-5D (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 5D) was assigned to these satellites.

In 2015, Congress voted to terminate the DMSP program and to scrap the DMSP 5D-3/F20 satellite, ordering the Air Force to move on to a next-generation system. The Air Force had intended to keep DMSP F20 in climate-controlled storage at a Lockheed Martin clean room in Sunnyvale, California, for a time in case it needed to be called up for launch in the coming years,[42] and in the aftermath of the failure of DMSP 5D-3/F19, the USAF was reconsidering the future of DMSP-5D3 F-20. However, in late 2016, the USAF began scrapping DMSP-5D3 F-20.

See also

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  • NPOESS - the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System
  • Space debris

References

Template:Reflist

External links

Template:National Reconnaissance Office Template:USAF space vehicles Template:USAF Weapons Template:US Reconnaissance Satellites Template:USAF system codes

Template:Use American English

  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Spires
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Explosion of U.S. Military Satellite May Endanger Spacecraft After All Template:Webarchive Mike Wall, SPACE.com, 8 May 2015
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Malfunctioning Weather Satellite Can't Be Recovered, Air Force Finds, Valerie Insinna, DefenseNews.com, 25 July 2016
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1". Template:PD-notice
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1". Template:PD-notice
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  33. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  34. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  35. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  36. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  37. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  38. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  39. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  40. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  41. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  42. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  43. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  44. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  45. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  46. ↑ Successful Flight Demonstration Conducted by the Air Force and United Launch Alliance Will Enhance Space Transportation: DMSP-18 Template:Webarchive, United Launch Alliance, October 2009, accessed 2011-01-10.
  47. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  48. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  49. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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