Status
Success
DSP-3
Launch Time
Wed Mar 01, 1972 09:39 UTC
Wed Mar 01, 1972 09:39 UTC
Rocket
Mission Details
DSP-3
The primary mission of the DSP satellite is to detect and report ICBM or SLBM raids against the U.S. and its allies. Secondary missions include space launch detection and nuclear detonation detection for international test ban treaties. Developed in response to the Soviet Union's first ICBM threat in the 1950s, DSP utilizes infrared sensors on orbiting satellites to detect rocket engine heat radiation, marking the inception of a space-based early warning system.
Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 907.0 kg
Geostationary Earth Orbit
Location
SLC-40, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA
Stats
1972
11th orbital launch attempt
Titan III
59th mission
3rd mission of 1972
51st successful mission
1st consecutive successful mission