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| Defense Support Program (DSP) |
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The
Northrop Grumman-built Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites
have been the spaceborne segment of NORAD's Tactical Warning
and Attack Assessment system since 1970. Using infrared detectors
that sense the heat from missile plumes against the earth
background, these orbiting sentries detect, characterize and
report ballistic missile launches; they also see nuclear detonations.
Continuous spacecraft upgrades have allowed DSP to provide
accurate, reliable warning data in the face of changing requirements
with no interruption in service. Planned evolutionary growth
has improved satellite capability, survivability and life
expectancy without major redesign. Power has increased to
1,275 W; communications links doubled, data rates expanded;
hardness enhanced; redundancy added and single point failures
eliminated. DSP satellites have exceeded their specified design
lives by some 125 percent through five upgrades, proving the
viability of evolutionary growth.
DSP meets the changing threats of a dynamic world within the
realities of a shrinking defense budget. Northrop Grumman
has coupled years of production and operational experience
with timely management initiatives to reduce development,
verification, test and evaluation schedules and costs. We're
providing the Air Force with five of the newest generation
satellites for the price of four.
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