Status
Success
DMSP-5D2 F10 (USA-68)
Launch Time
Sat Dec 01, 1990 15:57 UTC
Sat Dec 01, 1990 15:57 UTC
Rocket
Mission Details
DMSP-5D2 F10 (USA-68)
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
1990
110th orbital launch attempt
Atlas-Star
14th mission
1st mission of 1990
12th successful mission
10th consecutive successful mission