General Characteristics
- Primary mission: Strategic and tactical missile launch detection
- Contractor team: Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, formerly TRW (for satellite bus) and Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, formerly Aerojet Electronics Systems (for IR sensor)
- Weight: 5,250 lb (2,380 kg)
- Orbit altitude: 22,000 miles (35,900 km)
- Power plant: Solar arrays generate 1,485 watts
- Height: 32.8 ft (10 m) on orbit; 28 ft (8.5 m) at launch
- Diameter: 22 ft (6.7 m) on orbit; 13.7 ft (4.2 m) at launch
- Date first deployed: 1970
- Latest Satellite Block: Sats 18–23
- Unit Cost: $400 million
Read more about this topic: Defense Support Program
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