DSAP-4B [USAF]
DSAP-4B (Defense Satellite Application Program Block 4B) was the sixth version of the military meteorological satellites of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program.
The DSAP-4B satellites, slightly larger than their predecessors, was 30 inches in diameter, 29 inches high, and weighed 175 pounds. Still spin-stabilized, the satellite nonetheless provided improved weather coverage. They were a slightly improved version of the Block 4a satellite.
Previously, the single 1/2-inch focal length RCA vidicon television camera in Block 1 and Block 2 satellites furnished a nadir resolution of 3-to-4 nautical miles (nm) over an 800 nm swath, with significant gaps in coverage of the Earth at the equator. Block 4 vehicles carried two one-inch focal length vidicons canted at 26 degrees from the vertical that provided global coverage of the Earth (contiguous coverage at the equator), along a 1,500 nm swath. The resolution varied from 0.8 nm at the nadir to 3 nm at the picture's edge. Besides a multi-sensor infrared subsystem, Block 4 also incorporated a high resolution radiometer that furnished cloud-height profiles. A tape recorder of increased capacity stored pictures of the entire northern hemisphere each day, while the satellite furnished real-time, direct local tactical weather coverage to small mobile ground or shipboard terminals.
One additional DMSP Block 4B satellite was manufactured, but not launched. The satellite, also known as 4B-4, was donated to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.
The designation DMSP-4B (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 4B) was retroactively assigned to these satellites.
Nation: | USA |
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Type / Application: | Meteorology |
Operator: | US Air Force (USAF), NRO |
Contractors: | RCA Astro |
Equipment: | ? |
Configuration: | |
Propulsion: | ? |
Power: | Solar cells, batteries |
Lifetime: | |
Mass: | |
Orbit: | SSO |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
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DSAP-4B F1 (OPS 7869) | 1968-042A | 23.05.1968 | Va SLC-10W | Thor-DSV2U Burner-2 | ||
DSAP-4B F2 (OPS 4078) | 1968-092A | 23.10.1968 | Va SLC-10W | Thor-DSV2U Burner-2 | ||
DSAP-4B F3 (OPS 1127) | 1969-062A | 23.07.1969 | Va SLC-10W | Thor-DSV2U Burner-2 | ||
DSAP-4B F4 | - | not launched | Va SLC-10W | Thor-DSV2U Burner-2 |