DMSP Imagery

The primary imagery from DMSP consists of visual and infrared (IR) data that is used by forecasters in predicting weather for DOD purposes. The data comes in two forms: Fine (0.3-nautical-mile resolution) and Smooth (1.5-nautical-mile resolution). Data can be collected, stored, and transmitted in either Smooth or Fine format. Thermal Fine (TF) data is collected continuously, day and night, by the IR detector. Light Fine (LF) data is collected by a silicon detector during the day. At night, a photomultiplier tube performs the data-collection task.

DMSP Visual Data

DMSP Infrared (Thermal) Data (TOP); and DMSP Visual (Light) Data (BOTTOM).

Other mission sensors, often referred to as special sensors, provide other meteorological data, depending on the spacecraft configuration. Some of these mission sensors include:

Sensor ID	Purpose
SSB/X-2	Gamma Ray Detector
SSI/ES	Ions and Scintillation Detector
SSJ/4	Precipitating Electron Spectrometer
SSM	Fluxgate Magnetometer
SSM/T	Microwave Temperature Sounder
SSM/I	Microwave Imager

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Designed and Developed by

John Bohlson, Leonard Daly, and Charles Simmons
The Aerospace Corporation
Last modified on July 03, 1997

Please send any questions or comments regarding this service or content to
DMSP WebMaster - James Dixon