# DMSP 5C/F2

> meteorological satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q113172110](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113172110)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dmsp-5c-f2

## Summary  
DMSP 5C/F2 is a United States‑operated meteorological satellite launched on 24 May 1975. It is part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) and was placed into orbit using a Thor‑Burner launch vehicle.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch date:** 24 May 1975【source】  
- **Launch vehicle:** Thor‑Burner expendable rocket【source】  
- **COSPAR ID / NSSDC ID:** 1975‑043A【source】  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 07816【source】  
- **Instance of:** Artificial satellite (human‑made object in orbit)【source】  
- **Primary purpose:** Meteorological observations for the DMSP series【source】  
- **Aliases:** DMSP BLOCK 5C, 07816, DMSP 10533, DMSP5C‑F2【source】  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the mission of DMSP 5C/F2?  
A: DMSP 5C/F2 was launched to collect meteorological data as part of the U.S. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, supporting weather monitoring and forecasting.  

### Q: Which rocket carried DMSP 5C/F2 into space?  
A: The satellite was launched aboard a Thor‑Burner launch vehicle, an American expendable rocket from the Thor family.  

### Q: When and where was DMSP 5C/F2 launched?  
A: It was launched on 24 May 1975; the specific launch site is not detailed in the provided sources.  

### Q: How is DMSP 5C/F2 identified in satellite catalogs?  
A: It is listed under COSPAR ID 1975‑043A and Satellite Catalog Number 07816.  

### Q: What are the other names for DMSP 5C/F2?  
A: The satellite is also known as DMSP BLOCK 5C, 07816, DMSP 10533, and DMSP5C‑F2.  

## Why It Matters  
DMSP 5C/F2 represents a key element of the United States’ early effort to provide continuous, space‑based weather observations for both military and civilian users. Launched in 1975, it contributed to the growing network of meteorological satellites that improved global weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and environmental awareness. By delivering real‑time atmospheric data from orbit, the satellite helped refine predictive models, support disaster preparedness, and enhance situational awareness for defense operations. Its deployment using the reliable Thor‑Burner launch system demonstrated the feasibility of routine, cost‑effective satellite launches, paving the way for subsequent DMSP blocks and modern weather‑satellite constellations. The data gathered by DMSP 5C/F2 and its sister satellites laid groundwork for today’s sophisticated Earth‑observation capabilities, underscoring the enduring strategic value of space‑based meteorology.

## Notable For  
- First DMSP satellite of the **Block 5C** series.  
- Assigned the **COSPAR ID 1975‑043A**, linking it to the global satellite registry.  
- Launched on a **Thor‑Burner** vehicle, showcasing the versatility of the Thor rocket family for scientific payloads.  
- Holds **Satellite Catalog Number 07816**, a unique identifier used by tracking agencies worldwide.  

## Body  

### Overview  
- DMSP 5C/F2 is a **meteorological satellite** operated by the United States Department of Defense.  
- It belongs to the **Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP)**, a long‑running series of weather‑monitoring spacecraft.  

### Launch Details  
- **Date:** 24 May 1975.  
- **Vehicle:** Thor‑Burner, an American expendable launch system derived from the Thor rocket family.  
- The launch placed the satellite into a **polar orbit**, typical for weather‑observation platforms, though the exact orbital parameters are not listed in the source material.  

### Identification Numbers  
- **COSPAR ID / NSSDC ID:** 1975‑043A – the international designation used for cataloging space objects.  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 07816 – the numeric identifier assigned by the U.S. Space Command.  
- **Aliases:** DMSP BLOCK 5C, 07816, DMSP 10533, DMSP5C‑F2 – alternative names found in various databases.  

### Role in Meteorology  
- As a **meteorological satellite**, DMSP 5C/F2 carried sensors to measure atmospheric temperature, humidity, cloud cover, and wind patterns.  
- Data transmitted to ground stations supported **weather forecasting**, **climate research**, and **military operational planning**.  

### Related Systems  
- **Artificial satellite** – DMSP 5C/F2 is classified as an artificial satellite, a human‑made object placed into orbit.  
- **Thor‑Burner** – the launch vehicle belongs to the Thor family, known for delivering a wide range of payloads to low‑Earth orbit.  

### Legacy  
- The successful deployment of DMSP 5C/F2 contributed to the continuity of the DMSP constellation, ensuring uninterrupted weather data streams.  
- Its launch demonstrated the reliability of the Thor‑Burner system for scientific missions, influencing later launch choices for Earth‑observation satellites.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report