The 45th Space Wing at Patrick AFB, Fla., plans to launch the final Defense Support Program satellite from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., on Aug. 28. The United Launch Alliance has readied a Delta IV Heavy Vehicle to receive the 23rd DSP satellite early this month, reports Amn. David Dobrydney. Launched first in 1970, the DSP’s primary mission was to detect ballistic missile launches, but the system proved it had tactical versatility by detecting Scud missile launches during Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
