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DMSP 5D-2 F10 (USA 68) (20978)
COSPAR: 1990-105A | Alt Name: DMSP F-10
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 1, 1990
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC3W
Launch Vehicle
Atlas E
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
20978
International Designator
1990-105A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:40:13 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
98.61°
Right Ascension
245.21°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
233.53°
Period
99.99 min
Mean Motion
14.40 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DMSP 5D-2 F10 (USA 68)
Alternative Name
DMSP F-10
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
AFSSD2
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 20978U 90105A 26185.15293845 .00000272 00000-0 97985-4 0 9993
2 20978 98.6085 245.2139 0070077 233.5258 125.9459 14.40172158864959
Source: Celestrak
Summary
DMSP 5D-2 F10 (USA 68) is a meteorological satellite launched on December 1, 1990, from AFWTR SLC3W using an Atlas E launch vehicle. The satellite measures 6.9 meters in length and diameter with a dry mass of 773 kilograms. It uses a deployable solar array and batteries for power and operates on the TIROS-N Bus configuration. Manufactured by GEEW, it was designed to last 5 years but reached an operational lifespan of 22 years as part of the DMSP Block 5D-2 series. The satellite's primary purpose is meteorology, equipped with a Star 37S motor and classified equipment under "DMSP Block 5D-2 S-10." It has a shape described as Box + Pan and an RCS (Reflective Cross Section) of 3.8911 square meters. The satellite's owner is AFSSD2, operating in orbit to provide meteorological data.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6.9
Diameter
1.5
Span
6.9
Dry Mass
773
Launch Mass
773
Shape
Box + Pan
Radar Cross Section
3.8911
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
DMSP Block 5D-2 S-10
Purpose
Meteorology
Mission
Meteorology
Manufacturer
GEEW
Life Expectancy
5 years (design); 22 years (reached, #14)
Bus
Block 5D
Configuration
TIROS-N Bus
Motor
Star 37S
Equipment
see above
Power System
Deployable solar array, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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