Launch Success
Liftoff Time (GMT)
13:23:00
Thursday November 28, 1991
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
16th
Mission
2nd
Mission of 1991
86th
Orbital launch attempt