DMSP 5D-2/F7
in scheme: platforms
definition: [Source: National Space Science Data Center, http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraftDisplay.do?id=1983-113A ] DMSP 5D-2/F7 was one of a series of meteorological satellites developed and operated by the Air Force under the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP). This program, previously known as DAPP (Data Acquisition and Processing Program), was classified until March 1973. The objective of this program was to provide global visual and infrared cloudcover data and specialized environmental data to support Department of Defense requirements. Operationally, the program consisted of two satellites in planned 830-km, sun-synchronous polar orbits, with the ascending node of one satellite in early morning and the other one at local noon. The 6.4-m-long spacecraft was divided into four sections: (1) a precision mounting platform for sensors and equipment requiring precise alignment; (2) an equipment support module containing the electronics, reaction wheels, and some meteorological sensors; (3) a reaction control equipment support structure containing the third-stage rocket motor and supporting the ascent phase reaction control equipment; and (4) a 9.29-sq-m solar cell panel. The spacecraft stabilization was controlled by a combination flywheel and magnetic control coil system so sensors were maintained in the desired "earth-looking" mode. One feature was the precision-pointing accuracy of the primary imager to 0.01 deg provided by a star sensor and an updated ephemeris navigation system. This allowed automatic geographical mapping of the digital imagery to the nearest picture element. The operational linescan system was the primary data acquisition system that provided real-time or stored, multi-orbit, day-and-night, visual and infrared imagery of the clouds. A supplementary sensor package contained six special sensors: (1) a microwave temperature sounder, (2) an X-ray spectrometer, (3) an ionospheric plasma monitor, (4) a precipitating electron/ion spectromete…
type: Concept

Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP)
type: Concept