Defense Support Program Satellites

Overview
Air Force Space Command-operated Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites are a key part of North America's early warning systems. In their 22,300-mile, geosynchronous orbits, DSP satellites help protect the United States and its allies by detecting missile launches, space launches and nuclear detonations.

DSP satellites use an infrared sensor to detect heat from missile and booster plumes against the Earth's background. In 1995, technological advancements were made to ground processing systems, enhancing detection capability of smaller missiles to provide improved warning of attack by short-range missiles against U.S. and allied forces overseas. Numerous improvement projects have enabled DSP to provide accurate, reliable data in the face of evolving missile threats.

The program came to life with the first launch of a DSP satellite in the early 1970s. Since that time, DSP satellites have provided an uninterrupted space-based early warning capability. The original DSP satellite weighed 2,000 pounds and had 400 watts of power, 2,000 detectors, and a design life of 1.25 years. Throughout the life of the program, the satellite has undergone numerous improvements to enhance reliability and capability. The weight grew to 5,250 pounds, power to 1,516 watts, number of detectors increased to 6,000, and the design life has increased to a goal of five years.

The 460th Space Wing, with headquarters at Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado, operates DSP satellites and report warning information, via communications links, to the North American Aerospace Defense Command/U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Strategic Command early warning centers within Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, located near Colorado Springs, Colorado. These centers immediately forward data to various agencies and areas of operations around the world.