Block 5D Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The Block 5D bus accounts for 18 cataloged objects, of which 18 are in orbit and 2 are active. Most are built by RCA. The largest operator on this bus is AFSMC. The first launched in 1976, the most recent in 2014.
18
In orbit
2
Active
18
Total launched
0
Reentered
Block 5D launched per year
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged Block 5D satellites.
| Manufacturer | RCA |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Meteorology |
| Launch mass | 447 kg |
| Dry mass | 447 kg |
| Length | 6.1 m |
| Diameter | 1.2 m |
| Span | 6.9 m |
| Shape | Box + Pan |
| Power | Deployable solar array, batteries |
| Propulsion | Star 37S |
| Design life | 5 years (design); 22 years (reached, #14) |
| Equipment | see above |
| Typical orbit | 102 min period, 99° inclination |
Top operators
AFSMC 8 AFSD 4 SAMSO 4 AFSSD2 2
Top countries
US 18
Block 5D satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMSP 5D-3 F19 (USA 249) DMSP F-19 | 39630 | 2014-015A | AFSMC | Apr 3, 2014 | 102 min, 98.8° | Inactive | ◉ |
| DMSP 5D-3 F18 (USA 210) DMSP F-18 | 35951 | 2009-057A | AFSMC | Oct 18, 2009 | 102 min, 98.9° | Active | ◉ |
| DMSP 5D-3 F17 (USA 191) DMSP F-17 | 29522 | 2006-050A | AFSMC | Nov 4, 2006 | 102 min, 98.7° | Active | ◉ |
| DMSP 5D-3 F16 (USA 172) DMSP F-16 | 28054 | 2003-048A | AFSMC | Oct 18, 2003 | 102 min, 99.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
| DMSP 5D-3 F15 (USA 147) DMSP F-15 | 25991 | 1999-067A | AFSMC | Dec 12, 1999 | 102 min, 99.0° | Inactive | ◉ |
| DMSP 5D-2 F14 (USA 131) DMSP F-14 | 24753 | 1997-012A | AFSMC | Apr 4, 1997 | 102 min, 98.8° | Inactive | ◉ |
| DMSP 5D-2 F13 (USA 109) DMSP F-13 | 23533 | 1995-015A | AFSMC | Mar 24, 1995 | 102 min, 98.8° | Inactive | ◉ |
| DMSP 5D-2 F12 (USA 106) DMSP F-12 | 23233 | 1994-057A | AFSMC | Aug 29, 1994 | 102 min, 98.7° | Inactive | ◉ |
| DMSP 5D-2 F11 (USA 73) DMSP F-11 | 21798 | 1991-082A | AFSSD2 | Nov 28, 1991 | 102 min, 98.7° | Inactive | ◉ |
| DMSP 5D-2 F10 (USA 68) DMSP F-10 | 20978 | 1990-105A | AFSSD2 | Dec 1, 1990 | 100 min, 98.6° | Inactive | ◉ |
| DMSP 5D-2 F9 (USA 29) DMSP F-9 | 18822 | 1988-006A | AFSD | Feb 3, 1988 | 101 min, 98.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
| DMSP 5D-2 F8 (USA 26) DMSP F-8 | 18123 | 1987-053A | AFSD | Jun 20, 1987 | 101 min, 98.7° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 1294 (DMSP 5D-2 F7) DMSP F-7 | 14506 | 1983-113A | AFSD | Nov 18, 1983 | 101 min, 98.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 9845 (DMSP 5D-2 F6) DMSP F-6 | 13736 | 1982-118A | AFSD | Dec 21, 1982 | 101 min, 98.6° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 5390 (DMSP 5D-1 F4) DMSP F-4 | 11389 | 1979-050A | SAMSO | Jun 6, 1979 | 101 min, 98.6° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 6182 (DMSP 5D-1 F3) DMSP F-3 | 10820 | 1978-042A | SAMSO | May 1, 1978 | 100 min, 98.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 5644 (DMSP 5D-1 F2) DMSP F-2 | 10033 | 1977-044A | SAMSO | Jun 5, 1977 | 101 min, 99.1° | Inactive | ◉ |
| OPS 5721 (DMSP 5D-1 F1) DMSP F-1 | 09415 | 1976-091A | SAMSO | Sep 11, 1976 | 101 min, 98.4° | Inactive | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many Block 5D satellites are there?
The catalog lists 18 objects built on the Block 5D bus. 18 are in orbit and 0 have reentered.
How many Block 5D satellites are in orbit?
18 Block 5D objects are currently in orbit, of which 2 carry an active status.
Who builds the Block 5D bus?
The Block 5D bus is most commonly built by RCA.
When did the first Block 5D satellite launch?
The first cataloged Block 5D satellite launched in 1976, and the most recent in 2014.