Titan Successfully Launches DSP 21

A Titan 4B/IUS successfully launched DSP 21 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, LC 40, came at 0728 UTC (12:28 a.m. PDT) on August 6. The launch cost US$460 million, out of a total mission cost of US$716 million. U.S. Air Force controllers will test the new DSP spacecraft during the next month before placing it into service in geostationary orbit to replace an aging satellite. Which DSP is being replaced has not been disclosed due to the classified nature of the program.

The DSP satellites provide warnings of actual missile launches, while also allowing the U.S. Department of Defense to track the missile programs of China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and other nations. The TRW-built DSP spacecraft has 6,000 detectors, generates 1.485 kW and uses 1.274 kW of power, and weighs 2386 kg (5260 lbm). The satellite, stowed, is 4.2 m (13.7 ft) in diameter and 8.5 m (28 ft) tall. Deployed it is 10 m (32.8 ft) in diameter and 6.7 m (22 ft) in height. One more DSP is scheduled for launch before the system is replaced by the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) in the 2006-7 timeframe. The infrared sensors on the SBIRS spacecraft are expected to be more sensitive that those used on current DSP early warning satellites.

Seven Titan 4 launches remain after which the Air Force will retire the rocket in favor of the Delta 4 and Atlas 5 launchers that are part of the new Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program. There are four missions scheduled for the National Reconnaissance Office, two for Milstar and one DSP.

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