Space Brief 25 Feb 2025
Today's Space Brief covers imminent launches, new developments in space technology, and strategic military contributions to satellite defense systems.
USA 7 (DSP 12) (15453)
COSPAR: 1984-129A | Alt Name: DSP F12
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 22, 1984
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Titan 34D/Transtage
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
15453
International Designator
1984-129A
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:23:30 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
11.47°
Right Ascension
320.81°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
272.18°
Period
1456.67 min
Mean Motion
0.99 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
USA 7 (DSP 12)
Alternative Name
DSP F12
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
AFSD
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 15453U 84129A 26184.84965669 -.00000065 00000-0 00000-0 0 9998
2 15453 11.4667 320.8149 0002038 272.1830 273.4268 0.98855449 26213
Source: Celestrak
Summary
USA 7 (DSP 12), also known as DSP F12, is an early warning satellite operated by AFSD and manufactured by TRW. It was launched on December 22, 1984, from LC40 at the Air Force Eastern Test Range using a Titan 34D/Transtage launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 7.1 meters in length, with a diameter of 3.1 meters and spans 8.6 meters across its solar arrays. It has a dry mass of 1600 kg and a launch mass of 1680 kg. Equipped with 4 deployable fixed solar arrays and batteries for power supply, the satellite is designed to provide early warning capabilities as part of the DSP program. Its mission lifetime was planned for approximately 3 years, and it has the shape of a cylinder with four panels.
Physical Characteristics
Length
7.1
Diameter
3.1
Span
8.6
Dry Mass
1600
Launch Mass
1680
Shape
Cyl + 4 Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
DSP 6R
Purpose
Early Warning
Mission
Early Warning
Manufacturer
TRW
Life Expectancy
3 years
Bus
DSP P2U
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
MRE-4
Equipment
?
Power System
4 deployable fixed solar arrays, solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 17 Jan 2025
SpaceX marks another milestone and setback with Starship Flight 7, achieving a successful booster catch but losing the upper stage during ascent.
X Report 12 Aug 2025
SpaceX ramps up Raptor 3 testing and the launch landscape heats up with Vulcan and Ariane set to lift off before Starlink missions.
X Report 25 Dec 2025
Starlink reaches 9 million active users, while SpaceX prepares for upcoming missions with Flight 12 vehicles readying for 2026.
X Report 20 Feb 2025
SpaceX and Rocket Lab make headlines with simultaneous launches, while Musk's Starliner comments stir controversy.
Space Brief 21 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's new rocket-reuse record with a spy satellite launch, Space Force's funding strategies, and a European defense summit addressing security concerns.
X Report 4 Apr 2025
SpaceX gears up for Starship's ninth flight with a reused booster, Fram2 astronauts share stunning orbital views, and SpaceX secures new NASA contracts for the Starship.
Space Brief 13 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches a doubleheader of satellites while Blue Origin prepares for a historic all-female spaceflight. Also, meet FORMOSAT-5 in our Satellite Spotlight.