Space Force Eyes 1,000 Launches by 2031, New Site Required | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force projects ~1,000 launches between FY2027–FY2031, averaging 200 annually. DAF study concludes new launch site is "probably" required to absorb cadence.
DMSP 5D-3 F17 (USA 191) (29522)
COSPAR: 2006-050A | Alt Name: DMSP F-17
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 4, 2006
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC6
Launch Vehicle
Delta 4M
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
29522
International Designator
2006-050A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:45:48 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.74°
Right Ascension
191.50°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
13.99°
Period
101.77 min
Mean Motion
14.15 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DMSP 5D-3 F17 (USA 191)
Alternative Name
DMSP F-17
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
AFSMC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 29522U 06050A 26185.28181523 .00000050 00000-0 48373-4 0 9997
2 29522 98.7381 191.5022 0010386 13.9923 346.1537 14.14995289 14841
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The DMSP 5D-3 F17 (USA 191), also known as DMSP F-17, is a meteorology satellite launched by the United States on November 4, 2006, from Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Launch Complex 6 using a Delta 4M launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 4.4 meters in length and has a diameter of 1.2 meters with a span of 6.6 meters when its components are deployed. It was manufactured by LMEW (Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc.) and operated by AFSMC (Air Force Space Command). The satellite weighs 1217 kilograms at launch and in dry condition. Equipped with deployable solar arrays and batteries for power generation, it utilizes the TIROS-N Bus configuration designed for a five-year operational lifetime. Its payload consists of the DMSP Block 5D-3 S-17 instruments, supporting meteorological observations.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4.4
Diameter
1.2
Span
6.6
Dry Mass
1217
Launch Mass
1217
Shape
Box + Pan
Radar Cross Section
4.481
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
DMSP Block 5D-3 S-17
Purpose
Meteorology
Mission
Meteorology
Manufacturer
LMEW
Life Expectancy
5 years (design)
Bus
Block 5D
Configuration
TIROS-N Bus
Motor
Star-37XFP / ISS (#15, 16); ISS (17 - 20)
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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