Since the mid-1960s, when the Department of Defense (DOD) initiated the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), low-earth-orbiting satellites have provided the military with important environmental information.

The DMSP satellites see such environmental features as clouds, bodies of water, snow, fire, and pollution in the visual and infrared spectra. Scanning radiometers record information that can help determine cloud type and height, land and surface water temperatures, water currents, ocean surface features, ice, and snow. Communicated to ground-based terminals, the data is processed, interpreted by meteorologists, and ultimately used in planning and conducting U.S. military operations worldwide.

Program History and Evolution

An Overview of the System

The DMSP Space Segment

The DMSP Operational Concept

The C3S Resources

Narrowband Communications Cababilities

MPSOC

MPSOC Installation

FSOC

HTS, NHS, and TTS

Internet

User Segment Strategic Elements

Image Processing

Air Force Global Weather Central (AFGWC)

Data Reconstruction System

Satellite Data Handling System

Fleet Numerical Meteorology Oceanography Center (FNMOC)

Tactical Terminals

Mark IV

AN/SMQ-11 Shipboard Receiving Terminal

Small Tactical Terminal

Imagery

Combination of Light and Thermal Data

SSM/I Significantly Improves Forecaster Capability

---

---

Designed and Developed by



John Bohlson, Leonard Daly, and Charles Simmons
The Aerospace Corporation
Last modified on July 03, 1997

---

Please send any questions or comments regarding this service or content to
DMSP WebMaster - James Dixon