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Newest USAF Environmental Satellite Launched
Vandenberg AFB CA (SPX) Oct 20, 2009 The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) F-18 Block 5D-3 spacecraft, built under contract for the U.S. Air Force by Lockheed Martin, was launched this morning from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. at 9:12 am PDT. "After several years of building, integrating, upgrading and testing DMSP F-18, our third Block 5D-3 spacecraft, it was enormously satisfying to see this morning's launch and hear that we have a healthy satellite on orbit that will carry out its vital mission of supporting our warfighters," said Sue Stretch, Lockheed Martin DMSP program director. "Our partnership with the Air Force dates to the very beginning of the DMSP program with a common goal of ensuring that commanders have access to environmental data critical to the preparation and execution of military operations." The Block 5D-3 series accommodates larger sensor payloads than earlier generations. They also feature a larger capability power subsystem; a more powerful on-board computer with increased memory - allowing greater spacecraft autonomy - and increased battery capacity that extends the mean mission duration. Starting with F-17, the attitude control subsystem has also been enhanced with the integration of a second inertial measurement unit using ring laser, versus mechanical, gyros to provide greater precision pointing flexibility. DMSP is used for strategic and tactical weather prediction to aid the U.S. military in planning operations at sea, on land and in the air. Equipped with a sophisticated sensor suite that can image visible and infrared cloud cover and measure precipitation, surface temperature, and soil moisture, the satellite collects specialized global meteorological, oceanographic, and solar-geophysical information in all weather conditions. The DMSP constellation comprises two spacecraft in near-polar orbits, C3 (command, control and communications), user terminals and weather centers. DMSP F-18 was launched on a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket. Following DMSP F-18, two satellites remain to be launched and are maintained at Space Systems' operations in Sunnyvale, Calif. for storage, functional testing, and upgrading. The spacecraft are shipped to Vandenberg for launch when requested by the Air Force. Since 1965, 37 Lockheed Martin DMSP satellites have been launched successfully by the U.S. Air Force. Now in its fourth decade of service, the DMSP has proven itself to be a valuable tool in scheduling and protecting military operations on land, at sea and in the air. The Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. manages the DMSP program. Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links Lockheed Martin Space Technology News - Applications and Research
UAE Engineers To Take Lead Role In Designing Dubai-Sat 2Abu Dhabi, UAE (SPX) Oct 20, 2009 Following the successful launch of the UAE's first remote sensing satellite in July, engineers in the Emirates are already designing an advanced version which will provide government agencies with greater help to shape the country's future. The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST), which launched Dubai-Sat 1, said that lessons learnt in its development will ... read more |
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