U.S. Air Forces Gets Final Early Warning Satellite

The final Defense Support Program satellite, designed to provide early warning of worldwide missile launches, was delivered to the U.S. Air Force earlier this month, Inside Missile Defense reported yesterday (see GSN, May 20).

Northrop Grumman Corp. announced delivery of the 23rd satellite in the DSP series to Cape Canaveral Air Station May 10.

The DSP satellites are slated to be replaced over time by a new constellation of sensors, the Space-Based Infrared System (Inside Missile Defense, May 25).

First launched in 1970, the final DSP satellite is expected to be launched this fall, the company announced.

“This upcoming launch of the last DSP is a major milestone,” said program manager Peggy Paul. “This program has produced many technical innovations, provided the nation with a reliable missile-warning system and has honed the expertise of several generations of engineers and technicians who have contributed to other Northrop Grumman programs” (Northrup Grumman release, May 10).

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