Science
DMSP 5D-3 F18 (USA 210)
Military Weather · US Air Force
Right now
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The newest active DMSP satellite, F18 monitors global cloud patterns, precipitation, and ocean surface winds for US military operations. Its J-sensor measures charged particle precipitation — the same particles causing aurora and disrupting radio communications at high latitudes, directly affecting military communications in polar regions.
Its orbit
- Orbit
- Low Earth Orbitcan appear as a fast-moving star at dawn or dusk
- Altitude
- 521–531 mi (839–855 km)
- Inclination
- 98.9°
- One orbit
- 101.7 minutes14.2 orbits a day
- NORAD ID
- 35951
- Int’l designator
- 2009-057A
- Launched
- 2009
Orbital elements from CelesTrak, as of 22 Sep 2026.
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