Monday, May 30, 2016

USA-147

 1999-067A


The first 5D-3, S-15 (F-15 after launch) launched by Titan II in Oct 1999. It was placed in a 0915/2115LT orbit, later than earlier missions to help tactical operations. F-15 replaced F-12 and F-14 in one of the two DMSP planes. S-15 used the 5D-3 bus but carried the old 5D-2 payload complement.

By the time 5D-3 was launched, DMSP was operated by NOAA although managed by USAF SMC. NOAA SOCC/Suitland, MD checks out the spacecraft. It's turned over to the NPOESS IPO (Nat. Polar Orbiting Env Satellite System Integrated Program Office), which delegates operations back to the NOAA OSO (Office of Satellite Operations). Mass was 1030 kg. Size was 7.3m long.

According to Jane's Spaceflight Directory, the 5D-3 was intended to carry a "Star 37FP" apogee motor with a 19 percent offload. This may be the same as the Star 37XFP.


DMSP F-15 
 

DateTimeEventOrbit  

1999 Dec 12 1738:01 Launch by Titan II  V SLC4W 
  T+2:45 Stage 1 sep 
  T+4:00? Fairing sep 
 1743:41 T+5:40 Stage 2 MECO 
 1744:15 T+6:14 Stage 2 sep 
 1751:38 T+13:37 Star 37 burn 
 1752:29 T+14:28 Star 37 burnout 
 1757:31 T+19:30 Solar array deploy 
 1805?  Stage 2 reentry 
1999 Dec 19    101.81 837 x 851 x 98.9 
2003 Nov   Secondary status 
2006 Aug 14   orbit adjust 
2007 Apr 29   101.69 833 x 843 x 98.5 
2007 Jul   Still operating
2016 Mar   Secondary operational sat at 0240 LT 

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