Brief
U.S. Space Force retires final Defense Support Program satellites
The two remaining DSP satellites were moved to a higher orbit in September before being retired, ending a program that began in the 1970s.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The U.S. Space Force announced that the last two Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites have been retired, ending a missile‑warning system that started in the late 1970s, gizmodo reported.
What happened
Both satellites, which operated in geosynchronous orbit about 22,300 miles (35,888 km) above Earth, were transferred to a higher orbit in September as a pre‑step to decommissioning. The DSP constellation, originally launched between 1971 and 2007, once scanned the planet six times per minute with infrared detectors to spot missile plumes.
What the report adds
Gizmodo notes that the DSP satellites also supported conventional conflicts, such as detecting Iraqi Scud launches during Operation Desert Storm, and were used for natural‑disaster monitoring, including volcanic eruptions and forest fires. Newer systems like the Space‑Based Infrared System (SBIRS) and the upcoming Next‑Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (NGOPIR) have replaced the aging DSP hardware.
What was said
"These last two satellites were the culminating end to over a half century of space‑based early warning," U.S. Space Force Col. Brandon Davenport said in a statement, gizmodo quoted.
Key facts
- The U.S. Space Force retired the last two Defense Support Program satellites in September 2026. (gizmodo.com)
- DSP satellites operated in geosynchronous orbit at roughly 22,300 miles (35,888 km) above Earth. (gizmodo.com)
- The DSP constellation was launched between 1971 and 2007, totaling 23 satellites. (gizmodo.com)
- Col. Brandon Davenport said the retirement ends over half a century of space‑based early warning. (gizmodo.com)
Sources
- [1] gizmodo.com — originally reported as “Space Force Just Retired the Satellites That Watched for World War III”
