Northrop Grumman Ships 23rd DSP Satellite To Cape For Launch

SPACEWAR

File image of a DSP satellite being built at the former TRW plant now owned by Northrop Grumman.

Redondo Beach (SPX) May 10, 2005
Northrop Grumman shipped the 23rd satellite in the long-running Defense Support Program (DSP) series to the United States Air Force's Cape Canaveral Air Station for launch preparation.

Flight 23 will mark both a last, and a first, for the program. This final DSP, to be launched this autumn, will be the first operational satellite to be launched aboard Boeing's Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle-Heavy.

"This up-coming launch of the last DSP is a major milestone," said Peggy Paul, DSP program manager, Northrop Grumman. "This program has produced many technical innovations, provided the nation with a reliable missile-warning system and has honed the expertise of several generations of engineers and technicians who have contributed to other Northrop Grumman programs."

"The sensors supplied for DSP have been upgraded continually for more than 30 years," said Ron Simpson, director, Military Operations and Maintenance, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems. "Now in their fourth generation, their enhanced performance includes the ability to detect new threats."

Since its first launch in 1970, DSP has served as the space-borne segment of North American Aerospace and Defense Command's Tactical Warning and Attack Assessment System. The satellites have detected and provided early warning of missile launches, space launches and nuclear explosions.

DSP satellites have demonstrated their continued utility and flexibility through peacetime and conflict, including Operation Iraqi Freedom. Recently scientists have been developing methods to use DSP's infrared sensor as part of an early warning system for natural disasters like volcanic eruptions and forest fires.

Northrop Grumman's Space Technology sector is responsible for building the spacecraft and integrating the sensor, and Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector provides the primary infrared payload as well as the strategic and tactical mission processing.

Northrop Grumman Space Technology, based in Redondo Beach, Calif., develops a broad range of systems at the leading edge of space, defense and electronics technology. The sector creates products for

U.S. military and civilian customers that contribute significantly to the nation's security and leadership in science and technology.

SPACEWAR

Air Force Space Leaders Deliver Positive Report On United States' Combat Capabilities

Colorado Springs CO (AFN) May 2, 2005
Two of the nation's top space professionals echoed each other as they delivered an upbeat message to industry and military space experts on the final day of the National Space Symposium, April 7, at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.