# DMSP 5D-2/F11

> meteorological satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111854237](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111854237)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dmsp-5d-2-f11

## Summary
DMSP 5D-2/F11 is a meteorological satellite that was launched in 1991 as part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, designed to monitor weather and atmospheric conditions for the United States Department of Defense.

## Key Facts
- It is an artificial satellite with the Cospar ID 1991-082A and NSSDCA ID 1991-082A.
- The satellite was launched on November 28, 1991, using an Atlas E/F launch vehicle.
- It belongs to the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, which is a monitoring program for the U.S. Department of Defense.
- Its SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) is 21798.
- It has several aliases including DMSP-F11, USA 73, and DMSP BLOCK 5D-2.

### Q: What is DMSP 5D-2/F11?
A: It is a meteorological satellite launched in 1991 as part of the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Meteorological Satellite Program.

### Q: When was DMSP 5D-2/F11 launched?
A: The satellite was launched on November 28, 1991.

### Q: What program is DMSP 5D-2/F11 part of?
A: It is part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, which monitors weather and atmospheric conditions for the Department of Defense.

## Why It Matters
The DMSP 5D-2/F11 satellite played a crucial role in providing weather and atmospheric data for military and civilian applications. As part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, it contributed to improved weather forecasting capabilities, particularly for military operations and disaster response. The satellite's data helped in understanding global weather patterns, monitoring climate changes, and supporting decision-making processes in various sectors including defense, aviation, and emergency management. Its operational lifespan provided decades of continuous atmospheric monitoring, which was essential for developing accurate weather models and predicting severe weather events.

## Notable For
- It was one of the satellites in the DMSP Block 5D-2 series, which represented an advanced generation of meteorological satellites.
- The satellite operated as part of a constellation of similar satellites, providing continuous global coverage of weather patterns.
- It utilized the Atlas E/F launch vehicle, a proven American expendable launch system.
- The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program it belonged to was specifically designed to support military operations with meteorological data.
- It carried instruments to monitor various atmospheric parameters including cloud cover, temperature, and precipitation patterns.

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The DMSP 5D-2/F11 satellite was designed as a meteorological satellite with the primary mission of collecting atmospheric data. It was equipped with various sensors to monitor weather conditions from space. The satellite operated in a polar orbit, allowing it to provide global coverage of weather patterns. The SCN (Satellite Catalog Number) assigned to this satellite was 21798, which is used for tracking and identification purposes in space catalogs.

### Launch and Deployment
The satellite was successfully launched on November 28, 1991, from a spaceport using an Atlas E/F launch vehicle. This launch vehicle is part of the American expendable launch system family, which has been used for various satellite deployments. The launch marked the continuation of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program's efforts to maintain a constellation of weather-monitoring satellites.

### Program Context
As part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, DMSP 5D-2/F11 was operated by the United States Department of Defense. This program was established to provide military and civilian users with comprehensive weather and atmospheric data. The program's satellites were designed to operate in polar orbits, ensuring global coverage and providing critical information for military planning, disaster management, and scientific research.

### Operational History
The satellite's operational history included continuous monitoring of atmospheric conditions for over a decade. During its service, it contributed to numerous weather forecasting models and supported various defense and civilian applications. The data collected by DMSP satellites has been instrumental in improving weather prediction accuracy and understanding of global climate patterns.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report