# DMSP 5D-2/F12

> Meteorological Satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q113172227](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113172227)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dmsp-5d-2-f12

## Summary
DMSP 5D-2/F12 is a meteorological satellite launched by the United States as part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. It was deployed on August 29, 1994, using an SM-65E Atlas rocket to provide weather data for military and civilian applications.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: August 29, 1994
- **Launch Vehicle**: SM-65E Atlas
- **Parent Program**: Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (U.S. Department of Defense)
- **Designation**: Also known as USA 106, DMSP-F12, and 23233
- **Spacecraft Identifier**: COSPAR ID 1994-057A; NSSDCA ID 1994-057A
- **Entity Type**: Artificial satellite
- **Primary Function**: Meteorological monitoring and weather data collection

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of DMSP 5D-2/F12?
A: DMSP 5D-2/F12 was designed to collect meteorological data for the U.S. Department of Defense, supporting military operations, weather forecasting, and environmental monitoring.

### Q: How was DMSP 5D-2/F12 launched?
A: It was launched aboard an SM-65E Atlas rocket on August 29, 1994, from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

### Q: What program does DMSP 5D-2/F12 belong to?
A: It is part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, a U.S. initiative focused on weather satellite operations for defense purposes.

### Q: What alternative names does DMSP 5D-2/F12 have?
A: It is also referred to as USA 106, DMSP-F12, dmspf12, and 23233.

## Why It Matters
DMSP 5D-2/F12 advanced real-time weather intelligence capabilities for the U.S. military, enabling more precise tactical planning and environmental assessments. Its data supported critical operations such as aviation safety, troop movements, and disaster response. As part of the DMSP constellation, it contributed to long-term climate studies and weather prediction models, bridging defense needs with broader scientific research. The satellite’s longevity and reliability set precedents for future meteorological satellites, emphasizing the strategic importance of space-based environmental monitoring in national security and civilian meteorology.

## Notable For
- **Military Weather Operations**: Provided essential real-time weather data for U.S. Department of Defense missions.
- **Launch Vehicle Heritage**: Utilized the SM-65E Atlas, a Cold War-era missile adapted for peaceful satellite deployment.
- **Program Continuity**: Part of the DMSP series, which maintained uninterrupted weather monitoring from the 1960s onward.
- **Dual-Use Data**: Served both military tactical needs and civilian meteorological research.

## Body
### Overview
DMSP 5D-2/F12 is an artificial satellite classified as a meteorological satellite. It was developed and operated under the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), a U.S. initiative managed by the Department of Defense. The satellite’s primary mission involved collecting atmospheric data to support weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and military operational planning.

### Technical Specifications
- **Designation**: DMSP 5D-2/F12 (aliases include USA 106, DMSP-F12, dmspf12, and 23233)
- **Launch Details**: 
  - Date: August 29, 1994
  - Vehicle: SM-65E Atlas rocket
- **Identifiers**: 
  - COSPAR ID: 1994-057A
  - NSSDCA ID: 1994-057A
- **Entity Type**: Artificial satellite

### Program Affiliation
- **Parent Program**: Defense Meteorological Satellite Program
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Purpose**: Weather monitoring for defense and civilian applications, including cloud cover analysis, sea surface temperature measurements, and solar-terrestrial data.

### Operational Context
DMSP 5D-2/F12 was one of multiple satellites in the DMSP constellation, which provided global weather coverage. Its data supported military logistics, aviation safety, and environmental hazard mitigation. The satellite’s launch marked a continuation of the DMSP series’ legacy of integrating defense and meteorological objectives.