DMSP

The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) is a series of weather observation satellites in polar orbits at about 458 nautical miles (847 km) at all times. Information gathered by those satellites has been available for military customers since the 1960s. The primary payload into DMSP spacecraft provides visual and infrared imagery of cloud cover over an area 1,600 nautical miles wide. Additional satellite sensors measure atmospheric vertical profiles of moisture and temperature. DMSP information is used by military weather forecasters to determine developing weather patterns over remote areas which could potentially be used in military operations. Measurements of local charged particles and magnetic fields are used to assess the impact of the ionosphere on early warning ballistic missile radar systems and longer range communications. DMSP satellites also provides forecasting on space environment impact on satellite operations. The power supply comes from 10 solar panels generating 2,200 watts of power. Approximately 30 DMSP satellites have been placed into orbit since August 1962. As of October 2005 two DMSP satellites were operational in polar orbits. DMSP should be replaced by NPOESS beginning in 2009.

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