Military Manoeuvres in Synchronous Orbit

The Defense Support Satellite program (DSP) is described, together with a series of maneuvers performed by DSP spacecraft in 1982. The satellites are equipped with IR sensors for early warning of a missile attack. The program has been expanded in recent year to account for possible attacks using submarine launchers. The satellite designated 1982-19A was launched in Mar. 1982 into a 35,521 by 35,600 km orbit. A satellite 1982-19A was sent to replace, 1981-25A, moved toward a 35,778 km GEO orbit the next day. 1982-19A then took over western Atlantic surveillance from a position over Brasil. 1981-25A was then maneuvered to replace 1979-53A over the eastern Pacific. 1979-53A was moved to a position over Ecuador at 86 deg W. Possible applications of 1979-53A, including as a test vehicle for on-board laser countermeasures, or as a tracking target for calibration of GEODSS optical systems, are discussed.