Brief
US military ends long‑running missile‑launch detection satellite program
The Defense Support Program, a constellation of infrared satellites launched from 1970, was retired in 2027 after nearly six decades of service.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The US military announced the retirement of its Defense Support Program (DSP) satellite constellation, ending a program that began with a top‑secret payload launched in November 1970 from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral.
Initial DSP satellites, each about one metric ton with roughly 2,000 infrared detectors, were placed in geosynchronous orbit to spot Soviet ICBM launches. Over time the satellites grew to about 2.5 tons and over 6,000 detectors, supporting both nuclear deterrence and conventional conflict monitoring, such as Iraqi Scud launches.
The last operational DSP satellite flew in 2007, and the program was formally closed last month, marking the end of a Cold War‑era space‑based missile‑launch warning system.
Key facts
- The Defense Support Program began with a secret payload launched in November 1970 from Cape Canaveral. (arstechnica.com)
- Early DSP satellites weighed about 1 metric ton and carried ~2,000 infrared detectors. (arstechnica.com)
- Later satellites grew to ~2.5 tons and >6,000 detectors, remaining in service until 2007. (arstechnica.com)
- The US military officially ended the DSP program in 2027 after nearly six decades. (arstechnica.com)
Sources
- [1] arstechnica.com — originally reported as “US military ends long-running program to spot nuclear missile launches”
