Defense Support Program

Description

The Defense Support Program operates the Satellite Early Warning System for the US military. It’s a constellation of satellites that detect the heat signatures of missile launches and is intended to provide early warning of nuclear ballistic missile attack. It is being replaced by SBIRS (Space-Based Infrared System).

PRIMAL Assessment

Although this system is a remnant of Cold War nuclear deterrent strategy, while nuclear ballistic missiles remain in service these satellites will continue to be operated. As these missiles are never actually fired (apart from the occasional test by rogue nations), the satellites are being used more for generic intelligence gathering and have proven surprisingly useful for a number of purposes including heat source detection.