NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2009-057A
DMSP-F18, also known as DMSP 5D-3 F18 or USA 210, is a US Department of Defense weather satellite launched on an Atlas 5 rocket on 18 October 2009 at 16:12 UT from Vandenberg. The 1,200 kg satellite, one of several in the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, will provide terrestrial and space weather data from a near-polar, Sun-synchronous, 830 km altitude orbit. The DMSP satellites monitor the meteorological, oceanographic and solar-terrestrial physics environments. The primary weather sensor on DMSP is the Operational Linescan System, which provides continuous visual and infrared imagery of cloud cover. Additional satellite sensors measure atmospheric vertical profiles of moisture and temperature. DMSP satellites also measure space environmental parameters such as local charged particles and electromagnetic fields.
Launch Date: 2009-10-18
Launch Vehicle: Atlas V
Launch Site: Vandenberg AFB, United States
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office