Satellite’s Non-Space Flight From Lockheed Martin To Vandenburg AFB

The shipment of the DMSP Flight-18 spacecraft has successfully been completed by the Defense Meteorological Satellite Programs Systems Group. The spacecraft was moved from the Lockheed Martin Space Systems facility in Sunnyvale, California to Vandenberg Air Force Base, also in California. A C17 Globemaster from the 21st Airlift Squadron at Travis A.F.VB was used to ship the DMSP Flight-18. The spacecraft is now in the Payload Integration and Testing Facility at Vandenburg. All environmental testing has been completed. Final launch preparation processing is now underway.



“Shipment of F-18 from the factory to VAFB is a significant milestone in the launch preparation process,” said Col. Bradley Smith, commander, Defense Meteorological Systems Group. “F-18 has completed several retrofits, modifications, sensor integrations and a full gambit of mechanical, electrical and environmental testing over the past 18 months at Lockheed Martin Space Systems.”




The 30th Launch Support Squadron is responsible for the care and handling of the vehicle from the moment it arrives at VAFB until its launch. Integration of the ultraviolet sensor from Northrop Grumman and flight battery integration and checkout are on the processing schedule. The spacecraft will be transported to an encapsulation facility where it will be mated with the Atlas V booster. F-18 is scheduled to be launched next summer and will replace DMSP F-16, which was launched in 2003—Los Angeles Air Force Base, El Segundo, California