# DSP F7

> These Defense Support System satellites were the space-based segment of a 2-tiered ballistic missile launch detection and warning system.

**Wikidata**: [Q113172704](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113172704)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dsp-f7

## Summary
DSP F7 is a Defense Support System (DSP) artificial satellite used as the space-based segment of a two-tier ballistic missile launch detection and warning system. It was launched on 1977-02-06 from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17 aboard a Titan IIIC launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
- DSP F7 is an **artificial satellite** (a human-made object placed into orbit).
- DSP F7 was part of the **Defense Support System (DSP)**, described as the **space-based segment of a 2-tier ballistic missile launch detection and warning system**.
- **Launch date:** 1977-02-06.
- **Launch site (start point):** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.
- **Launch vehicle:** Titan IIIC.
- **COSPAR ID:** 1977-007A.
- **NSSDCA ID:** 1977-007A.
- **SCN:** 09803.
- **Aliases:** USAF Operational Sat-77; 09803; DSPF7.

## FAQs
### Q: What is DSP F7?
A: DSP F7 is a Defense Support System (DSP) artificial satellite. DSP satellites served as the space-based segment of a two-tier ballistic missile launch detection and warning system.

### Q: When and where was DSP F7 launched?
A: DSP F7 was launched on 1977-02-06. Its launch site was Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

### Q: What rocket launched DSP F7?
A: DSP F7 was launched using a Titan IIIC launch vehicle. Titan IIIC is a model of the Titan III launch vehicle family.

### Q: What identifiers are associated with DSP F7?
A: DSP F7 is associated with COSPAR ID 1977-007A and NSSDCA ID 1977-007A. It also has SCN 09803 and aliases including “USAF Operational Sat-77” and “DSPF7.”

## Why It Matters
DSP F7 matters because it belonged to the Defense Support System, which is explicitly described as the space-based segment of a two-tier ballistic missile launch detection and warning system. As a satellite in that system, DSP F7 represents an operational component of space-based early warning infrastructure. Its role is tied to detecting ballistic missile launches and supporting warning functions, which are time-sensitive and strategically significant missions. The entry also matters for identification and tracking: DSP F7 has standardized catalog and mission identifiers (SCN 09803; COSPAR/NSSDCA 1977-007A) that enable consistent reference across space surveillance, historical records, and research sources. Finally, its documented launch details—date (1977-02-06), launch site (Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17), and launch vehicle (Titan IIIC)—anchor it within the broader context of U.S. space operations and launch history.

## Notable For
- Being a **Defense Support System** satellite used for **ballistic missile launch detection and warning** as part of a **two-tier system**.
- Having the standardized international satellite designation **COSPAR 1977-007A** (also used as its **NSSDCA ID**).
- Being launched on **1977-02-06** from **Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17**.
- Being launched aboard a **Titan IIIC** rocket.
- Being cataloged with **SCN 09803** and known by aliases including **USAF Operational Sat-77** and **DSPF7**.

## Body
### Identity and Classification
- **Name:** DSP F7
- **Instance of:** artificial satellite
- **Program/system:** Defense Support System (DSP)
- **System description:** DSP satellites were the **space-based segment of a 2-tier ballistic missile launch detection and warning system**.

### Launch Details
- **Launch date:** 1977-02-06
- **Launch site (start point):** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- **Launch vehicle:** Titan IIIC

### Identifiers and Aliases
- **SCN:** 09803
- **COSPAR ID:** 1977-007A
- **NSSDCA ID:** 1977-007A
- **Aliases:**
  - USAF Operational Sat-77
  - 09803
  - DSPF7

### Related Entities (Context)
- **Artificial satellite (class):** human-made object put into an orbit.
- **Titan IIIC (class):** model of Titan III launch vehicle.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report