DSP Early Warning Satellite

Full Specifications

The Defense Support Program, known as DSP, was the backbone of U.S. missile warning for more than four decades. Designed during the Cold War, DSP satellites gave the United States its first reliable, space based ability to detect ballistic missile launches anywhere on Earth in near real time.

Developed by TRW for the U.S. Air Force, DSP entered service in 1970 and operated until it was gradually replaced by the SBIRS constellation. Operating from geosynchronous orbit, DSP used powerful infrared sensors to spot the heat plume from missile launches seconds after liftoff. This capability became a critical part of U.S. nuclear deterrence and strategic warning architecture.

Mission and Capabilities

DSP satellites continuously scanned large areas of the Earth using scanning infrared telescopes. Their sensors could detect intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine launched ballistic missiles, and large theater missile launches. Data was sent securely to ground stations and fed directly into U.S. Strategic Command and NORAD warning networks.

Unlike later systems, DSP relied on mechanical scanning rather than staring sensors. Even so, it proved highly reliable, providing early warning during real world events such as missile tests, regional conflicts, and accidental launches. DSP also contributed to space situational awareness and detection of large explosions.

Operational Use

At peak, the DSP constellation maintained global coverage with multiple satellites in GEO. Each satellite had a long service life, often exceeding its planned mission duration. The program set the standard for space based missile warning and directly shaped the design of modern U.S. early warning systems.

DSP Early Warning Satellite Price

DSP satellites were never sold commercially. Estimated unit cost ranged from USD 400 to 500 million per satellite, excluding launch and ground infrastructure, based on historical defense budget data.

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