The US Air Force launched a Titan II booster from Vandenberg AFB, California, on 12 December, carrying a Defense Meteorological Satellite Programme (DMSP) Block 5D3 satellite into orbit.
The satellite is the first of a new generation of Lockheed Martin-built craft with larger sensors, more power, longer battery life and improved computers.
DMSP spacecraft are operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which also operates its own civilian Titan II-boosted polar orbiting spacecraft, based on a similar spacecraft bus.
The launch was the ninth of 15 Titan II intercontinental ballistic missiles refurbished for space use by Lockheed.
Three more DMSPs are scheduled for Titan II launches, along with two more NOAA spacecraft and a US Air Force satellite, Cirolios.
Source: Flight International
