NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

DSP-4

Launch Time
Tue Jun 12, 1973 07:14 UTC

Rocket

Titan III(23)C
Martin Marietta
Status: Retired
Liftoff Thrust: 13,642 kN
Payload to LEO: 13,100 kg
Payload to GTO: 3,000 kg
Stages: 3
Strap-ons: 2
Rocket Height: 42.0 m
Fairing Diameter: 3.0 m

Mission Details

DSP-4

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

1973

43rd orbital launch attempt

Titan III

68th mission
3rd mission of 1973
59th successful mission
7th consecutive successful mission