(U) Defense Support Program (DSP)

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U) The Defense Support Program (DSP) is a system consisting of non-imaging infrared (IR) sensing satellites in geostationary orbits and associated ground systems.  For strategic applications, the latter include fixed and mobile ground processing stations and an associated ground communications network (GCN) controlled via a Data Distribution Center (DDC) that governs the distribution of messages to users.  For tactical applications, there is a Centralized Tactical Processing Element (CTPE) that fuses data at the sensor level from DSP satellites and other real-time sources to support Theater warfighters worldwide, but the communication resources required to link the CTPE to its data sources and those used to distribute tactical messages to the theater warfighters are controlled by external agencies.   DSP's primary mission is to provide near real-time tactical warning and limited assessment of a strategic ballistic missile attack and to support warning, missile defense, and attack operations in tactical contexts.  DSP's IR capabilities also serve as a space based surveillance system to support intelligence activities to provide commanders with weapons performance and derived data and national leaders with threat and foreign technology development information, while DSP's NUDET capabilities support National Command Authority decision making in the areas of Treaty Monitoring, Integrated Tactical Warning/Attack Assessment and Nuclear Force Management.

Description: (U)
(U) DSP is a high power, space based infrared detection system.  Its main strategic function is to detect and report intercontinental and sub-launched ballistic missile (ICBM and SLBM) raids against the U.S. and its allies, and tactical ballistic missile (TBM) launches in areas of interest to theater warfighters worldwide.  Users of DSP include: the National Command Authorities, Theater Commanders, NAIC, USSPACECOM, AFSPACECOM, and Air Force.

(U)  DSP was developed by TRW and Aerojet, with the first launch in 1970.  Since then, both the space and ground elements of the system have frequently been upgraded.  To support DSP's collection of  infrared emissions from launch plumes and other events of interest, the 6000+ detectors onboard the latest satellites combine two wavebands and provide comprehensive coverage, both above and below the horizon (ATH and BTH).  Eighteen satellites have been launched since 1970, with another five planned over the coming years.  

User Impact: (U)
(U) Provide warfighters with detection and report of intercontinental and sub launched ballistic missile (ICBM and SLBM) raids against the U.S. and its allies, and tactical ballistic missile (TBM) launches in areas of interest to theater warfighters worldwide.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Operational.
	(U) Termination: 09/2003 (4QFY2003).

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), ALERT, Eastern Range, IUS, MSTI, Navy Area Defense, Navy Theater-Wide TBMD, Radiant GOLD, SABRS, SBIRS High, SBIRS-Low, THAAD, Titan IVA, Titan IVB

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Satellite Operations, Space-Based Warning, Spacelift, Surveillance

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) Major DoD Space Programs, National Security Space Road Map, SURVEILLANCE AND WARNING.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Air Force.

Date of Information: (U)
09 September 1998

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)