# DSP 20

> American early warning satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q111497741](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111497741)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dsp-20

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **DSP 20**:

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## Summary  
DSP 20 is an American early warning satellite designed to detect ballistic missile launches. It was launched on May 8, 2000, aboard a Titan IV rocket from Cape Canaveral. As part of the Defense Support Program (DSP), it plays a critical role in national security by providing early missile threat detection.

## Key Facts  
- **Type**: Early warning satellite (ballistic missile detection)  
- **Launch Date**: May 8, 2000, at 16:01 UTC  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Titan IV (4B-29 variant)  
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2000-024A  
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2000-024A  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 26356  
- **Country**: United States  
- **Program**: Defense Support Program (DSP)  
- **Aliases**: DSP F20, USA 149  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the purpose of DSP 20?  
A: DSP 20 is designed to detect ballistic missile launches using infrared sensors, providing early warning to the U.S. military for national defense.  

### Q: When and where was DSP 20 launched?  
A: It was launched on May 8, 2000, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 aboard a Titan IV rocket.  

### Q: What rocket was used to launch DSP 20?  
A: A Titan IV (4B-29 variant) was used for the launch, a heavy-lift rocket operated by the U.S. Air Force.  

## Why It Matters  
DSP 20 is a critical component of the U.S. missile defense system, providing real-time detection of ballistic missile launches. Its infrared sensors can identify missile plumes, enabling rapid response to potential threats. The Defense Support Program, which includes DSP 20, has been a cornerstone of U.S. strategic defense since the Cold War, offering continuous surveillance and early warning capabilities. By detecting launches early, DSP 20 helps protect national security and supports global stability.  

## Notable For  
- Part of the long-running **Defense Support Program**, a key U.S. missile detection system.  
- Launched aboard a **Titan IV**, one of the most powerful rockets used by the U.S. Air Force.  
- Contributes to **continuous space-based infrared surveillance** for missile threats.  

## Body  
### Launch Details  
- **Date**: May 8, 2000  
- **Time**: 16:01 UTC  
- **Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40  
- **Rocket**: Titan IV (4B-29)  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Catalog Number (SCN)**: 26356  
- **COSPAR/NSSDCA ID**: 2000-024A  
- **Program**: Defense Support Program (DSP)  

### Role in Defense  
- Detects **ballistic missile launches** using infrared sensors.  
- Provides **early warning** to military command centers.  
- Operates in **geostationary orbit** for continuous coverage.  

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This entry is fact-based, concise, and structured for easy LLM retrieval. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report