# DMSP 5D-1/F04

> meteorological satellites

**Wikidata**: [Q113172179](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113172179)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dmsp-5d-1-f04

## Summary
DMSP 5D-1/F04 was a meteorological satellite launched by the United States in 1979 as part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. It was designed to collect weather data for military operations and was launched aboard a Thor DSV-2U rocket on June 6, 1979.

## Key Facts
- Launched on June 6, 1979, aboard a Thor DSV-2U rocket
- Also known by multiple aliases including DMSP 15539, DMSP5D1, and DMSP-F4
- Assigned COSPAR ID 1979-050A and NSSDCA ID 1979-050A
- Classified as an artificial satellite and meteorological satellite
- Part of the DMSP BLOCK 5D-1 series
- Has a Wikidata description identifying it as a meteorological satellite
- Associated with the scientific classification number 11389

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of DMSP 5D-1/F04?
A: DMSP 5D-1/F04 was a meteorological satellite designed to collect weather data for military operations. It was part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, which provides weather information to support U.S. military activities.

### Q: When and how was DMSP 5D-1/F04 launched?
A: DMSP 5D-1/F04 was launched on June 6, 1979, aboard a Thor DSV-2U expendable launch vehicle. This launch vehicle was specifically designed for U.S. military satellite missions.

### Q: What are the alternative names for DMSP 5D-1/F04?
A: DMSP 5D-1/F04 is also known by several alternative names including DMSP 15539, DMSP5D1, 11389, DMSP BLOCK 5D-1, DMSP-F4, and DMSP5D-1-F04.

## Why It Matters
DMSP 5D-1/F04 represents a critical component of the United States' military weather satellite infrastructure. As part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, it provided essential weather data that enabled military planners and operators to make informed decisions about operations, from troop movements to aircraft missions. The satellite's ability to collect meteorological data in various wavelengths and conditions made it invaluable for both peacetime and wartime scenarios. Its launch in 1979 marked another step in the evolution of military satellite technology, demonstrating the increasing sophistication and reliability of space-based weather monitoring systems. The data collected by DMSP 5D-1/F04 and its sister satellites has been used to improve weather forecasting models, support navigation systems, and enhance overall military readiness.

## Notable For
- First Block 5D-1 satellite in the DMSP series to be launched
- Successfully operated as a meteorological satellite for military applications
- Part of the transition to more advanced DMSP satellite technology
- Demonstrated the reliability of Thor DSV-2U launch vehicles for military satellite missions
- Contributed to the long-standing tradition of military weather satellite operations

## Body
### Technical Specifications and Classification
DMSP 5D-1/F04 was classified as an artificial satellite and specifically designated as a meteorological satellite. It carried the scientific classification number 11389 and was part of the broader DMSP BLOCK 5D-1 series, representing an evolution in satellite design and capabilities.

### Launch Details
The satellite was launched on June 6, 1979, using a Thor DSV-2U expendable launch vehicle. This particular launch vehicle was developed by the United States specifically for military satellite missions, highlighting the strategic importance of the DMSP program.

### Identification and Cataloging
DMSP 5D-1/F04 was assigned multiple identification numbers across different cataloging systems. It carries the COSPAR ID 1979-050A and NSSDCA ID 1979-050A, which are used by the international scientific community to track and reference space objects. The satellite also has several aliases used in various documentation and databases.

### Program Context
As part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, DMSP 5D-1/F04 was designed to provide weather data specifically for military applications. This program has been operational since the 1960s and continues to provide critical weather information for U.S. military operations worldwide. The Block 5D-1 series represented a significant upgrade in satellite capabilities compared to earlier DMSP versions.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report