NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

DMSP-5D2 F8 (USA-26)

Launch Time
Sat Jun 20, 1987 02:34 UTC

Rocket

Atlas-E/F Star-37S-ISS
Image Credit: USAF or NASA
General Dynamics
Status: Retired
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 0

Mission Details

DMSP-5D2 F8 (USA-26)

DMSP-5D2 (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 5D2) was the tenth version of the military meteorological satellites of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program.

This series introduced a stretched version of the DMSP-5D1 3-axis stabilized bus with integrated propulsion system, so that the satellite itself acted as an upper stage for the launch vehicle. It consisted of a single Star-37S motor and the ISS (Integrated Stage System) control system featuring four axial hydrazine thrusters. Power was supplied by a single, articulated 8-segmented solar array.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 823.0 kg
Sun-Synchronous Orbit

Location

SLC-3W, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Stats

1987

57th orbital launch attempt

Atlas-Star

11th mission
1st mission of 1987
9th successful mission
7th consecutive successful mission