US military ends long-running program to spot nuclear missile launches
The U.S. military has officially retired the Defense Support Program, a long-running satellite system designed to detect nuclear missile launches. The program, which began in the 1970s, has been superseded by more modern space-based surveillance technology.
Why it matters
The retirement marks the end of a Cold War-era technological pillar and reflects the modernization of U.S. space-based defense capabilities.
Fading away US military ends long-running program to spot nuclear missile launches A newer program has been operational since 2011, and the next generation could launch within 12 months.
11 A Delta IV Heavy rocket lifts off late in the evening of Nov. 11, 2007, carrying the DSP-23 satellite. Credit: ULA/Carleton Bailie A Delta IV Heavy rocket lifts off late in the evening of Nov. 11, 2007, carrying the DSP-23 satellite. Credit: ULA/Carleton Bailie Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav In late 1970, a Titan IIIC rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at what was then called Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It carried a top-secret payload for the US military.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in