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US military retires long-running Defense Support Program for missile launch detection
Key points
- Defense Support Program satellites operated since 1970.
- DSP satellites detected nuclear and conventional missile launches.
- The program was a key part of US military space power.
- The final operational DSP satellites were retired last month.
End of an Era for Missile Detection
The US military has concluded operations for its long-running Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites. These satellites, first launched in 1970, were designed to detect missile launches globally using infrared detectors. The program's operational phase spanned over five decades, with some payloads remaining active until recently.
Origins and Evolution of DSP
The initial DSP satellites, launched between 1970 and 1973, weighed about 1 metric ton and carried approximately 2,000 infrared detectors. Positioned in geosynchronous orbit, they transformed experimental infrared observations into a continuous operational program. Initially, their primary role was to identify Soviet ICBMs, making them crucial for nuclear deterrence during the Cold War. Later, their utility expanded to conventional warfare, notably detecting Iraqi Scud missile launches.
Technological Advancements and Longevity
Over the years, the military enhanced the DSP constellation, improving reliability and expanding capabilities. Subsequent satellites featured over 6,000 infrared detectors and weighed around 2.5 tons. The last DSP satellite was launched in 2007, with one satellite, DSP-16, even launching aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 1991.
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Reporting from
The US military has ended its Defense Support Program (DSP) satellite operations, which monitored global missile launches since 1970. This program was a primary component of American military space power during the Cold War, detecting nuclear and conventional missile launches.