DSP (Defence Support Program)

The DSP program is the U.S. military's early warning system for the detection of long range ballistic missile launches and nuclear detonations. The system uses a constellation of geosynchronous DSP satellites to provide continual coverage. Initially begun in 1970, over 19 (?) DSP satellites have been launched. The satellite bus and instrument payload have been improved over the years resulting in 3 different DSP variants. DSP satellites were used during the Persian Gulf War to detect Iraqi Scud missile launches. The DSP system is controlled from Scott AFB, Missouri, with stations at Guam Island, Pine Gap, Australia, and Nurrangar, Australia.

Related QuickLook Pages:

• DSP
• DSP Block 14
• IMEWS (DSP1)

Launch Facts

Name	Int'l Desig.	Date	Site	Vehicle	Orbit	Mass(kg)
Notes
IMEWS 1 (DSP F1)	1970-093A	11/6/70	ESMC	Titan 3C	HEO	820
1st generation DSP; incorrect orbit
IMEWS 2 (DSP F2)	1971-039A	5/5/71	ESMC	Titan 3C	GEO	820
1st generation DSP
IMEWS 3 (DSP F3)	1972-010A	3/1/72	ESMC	Titan 3C	GEO	820
1st generation DSP
IMEWS 4 (DSP F4)	1973-040A	6/12/73	ESMC	Titan 3C	GEO	820
1st generation DSP
IMEWS 5 (DSP F5)	1975-118A	12/14/75	ESMC	Titan 3C	GEO	820
1st generation DSP
DSP F6	1976-059A	6/26/76	ESMC	Titan 3C	GEO	820
Defense Support Program
DSP F7	1977-007A	2/6/77	ESMC	Titan 3C	GEO	820
Defense Support Program
DSP F8	1979-053A	6/10/79	ESMC	Titan 3C	GEO	820
Defense Support Program
DSP F9	1981-025A	3/16/81	ESMC	Titan 3C	GEO
Defense Support Program
DSP F10	1982-019A	3/6/82	ESMC	Titan 3C	GEO
Defense Support Program
	1984-009A	1/31/84	ESMC	Titan 34D		1043
Possible Chalet type satellite
DSP F11	1984-037A	4/15/84	ESMC	Titan 34D	GEO
Defense Support Program
DSP F12 (USA 7)	1984-129A	12/22/84	ESMC	Titan 34D	GEO
Defense Support Program
DSP F13 (USA 28)	1987-097A	11/29/87	ESMC	Titan 34D	GEO
Defense Support Program
DSP F17 (USA 107)	1994-084A	12/22/94	ESMC	Titan 4	GEO	2355
Defense Support Program