The U.S. Space Force has officially decommissioned its Defense Support Program (DSP) missile warning constellation, marking the end of an era that began over 50 years ago. The last two DSP satellites participated in a recent U.S. Space Command exercise before being moved to a graveyard orbit.
These satellites were pivotal during the Cold War for missile detection and subsequently helped in conflicts like the Gulf War. The DSP was initially launched in 1970 and expanded to 23 satellites, though plans for a 24th were ultimately canceled after a failure of the last satellite’s components in 2008.
The DSP’s successor, the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS), is currently operational, while the Space Force prepares to launch the first of its next-generation satellites to enhance missile warning capabilities. These new satellites will form part of a broader missile warning architecture that includes constellations in various orbits.
As the DSP retires, operators will focus on the upcoming Next-Gen Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) satellites, which promise improved detection of threats. Lt. Col. Ann Hughes emphasized that retiring the DSP allows for better preparation for the future and seamless missile warning capabilities.
