DMSP-5D2 F10 (USA-68)

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

15:57:00

Saturday December 1, 1990

Mission Details

DMSP-5D2 F10 (USA-68)

Wiki

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.

Sun-Synchronous Orbit

1 Payload

823 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Atlas-E/F Star-37S-ISS

Active 1978 to 1995


Stages

2

Launch Site

SLC-3W

Vandenberg SFB, California, USA

Fastest Turnaround

17 days 21 hours

Stats

Atlas-Star


14th

Mission

1st

Mission of 1990

1990


110th

Orbital launch attempt