# DMSP 5D-3/F16

> Defense Meteorological Satellite Program

**Wikidata**: [Q113172288](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113172288)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dmsp-5d-3-f16

## Summary
DMSP 5D-3/F16 is a U.S. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) artificial satellite launched on October 18, 2003, aboard a Titan 23G rocket. It provides critical weather and environmental data for Department of Defense operations.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: October 18, 2003  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Titan 23G (American expendable launch vehicle)  
- **Serial Number (scn)**: 28054  
- **Aliases**: DMSP-F16, USA 172, DMSP5D-3/F16  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2003-048A  
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2003-048A  
- **Program**: Part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (U.S. Department of Defense)  
- **Classification**: Artificial satellite (human-made orbital object)  
- **Country of Operation**: United States  

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of DMSP 5D-3/F16?  
A: It collected meteorological data to support U.S. military operations, including weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, and mission planning for the Department of Defense.  

### Q: When and how was DMSP 5D-3/F16 launched?  
A: The satellite was launched on October 18, 2003, using a Titan 23G expendable launch vehicle.  

### Q: What are the identifying codes for DMSP 5D-3/F16?  
A: It has a serial number (scn) of 28054, COSPAR ID 2003-048A, NSSDCA ID 2003-048A, and aliases including DMSP-F16 and USA 172.  

### Q: Which government program oversees DMSP 5D-3/F16?  
A: It was part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, a monitoring initiative for the U.S. Department of Defense.  

## Why It Matters
DMSP 5D-3/F16 is vital for national security, as it enabled real-time weather and environmental intelligence for military planning. Its data supported tactical operations, hazard avoidance, and climate research, filling critical gaps in environmental monitoring that commercial satellites could not address. The DMSP program, of which this satellite was a key component, has provided uninterrupted data since the 1960s, ensuring U.S. military readiness and scientific advancements in meteorology.  

## Notable For
- **DMSP Series Continuation**: As the F16 satellite in the 5D-3 series, it sustained the long-term operational capability of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program.  
- **Titan Launch Vehicle**: Launched via the specialized Titan 23G rocket, a dedicated DMSP launch configuration.  
- **Multi-Identified Satellite**: Operated under multiple identifiers (28054, DMSP-F16, USA 172) reflecting programmatic and tracking designations.  
- **Military Data Legacy**: Provided classified meteorological data for national security applications.  

## Body
### Program and Classification
- Entity type: Artificial satellite (human-made orbital object).  
- Parent program: Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (U.S. Department of Defense).  

### Technical and Operational Data
- **Launch specifics**:  
  - Date: October 18, 2003  
  - Vehicle: Titan 23G (American expendable launch vehicle).  
- **Identifiers**:  
  - Serial number (scn): 28054  
  - COSPAR ID: 2003-048A  
  - NSSDCA ID: 2003-048A  
- **Aliases**: DMSP-F16, USA 172, DMSP5D-3/F16.  

### Context
- **Program role**: Part of a decades-long Department of Defense initiative for military meteorological support.  
- **Sovereignty**: Operated under the United States.  
- **Function**: Delivered environmental data for defense operations, including cloud cover, sea surface temperatures, and space weather.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report