Sensing and display of DMSP data

The DMSP (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program) satellites are launched into circular sun-synchronous orbits at an altitude of 450 nm with an orbital inclination of 98.75 degrees. The present Block 5C DMSP satellites use a scanning radiometer as the primary data sensor. Very high (1/3-nm) resolution and high (2-nm) resolution imagery are provided in both the visual and infrared spectra. The storage and readout techniques are described. The Block 5D primary data system will include an oscillating scan radiometer and a data processing and storage system to provide contiguous global coverage with almost constant geometric ground resolution. The DMSP data displays and data utilization schemes are explained. Examples are given of low-light-level imagery and computer processed data from DMSP satellites.