US Air Force Titan ll launches the DMSP F15 12-12-1999
US Air Force Titan ll launches the DMSP F15 weather satellite. VAFB, CA. 12-12-1999
A $250 million Defense Meteorological Satellite Program military weather spacecraft successfully arrived in near-polar orbit today. The DMSP F15 satellite was boosted into space aboard a U.S. Air Force Titan 2 rocket following an on-time liftoff at 1738 GMT (9:38 p.m. PST) from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Minutes later, the apogee kick motor attached to the satellite fired to place the craft into the proper orbit.
The Titan 2 rocket used was once an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile stationed at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas. The booster was modified by Lockheed Martin to launch payloads into space after being decommissioned in 1987. Vandenberg AFB, CA. 12-12-1999
