AF helps Lockheed Martin ship Mars lander

This is an artist rendition of the Phoenix lander. Phoenix is the first mission of NASA's Mars Scout Program. The spacecraft will land on the icy northern latitudes of Mars. During its approximately 90-day mission, Phoenix will dig trenches with its robotic arm into the frozen layers of water below the surface. The spacecraft will use various on-board instruments to analyze the contents of the ice and soil; all in the hopes of finding organic compounds that are necessary for life. (Courtesy graphic)

Defense Support Program

The Air Force Space Command-operated Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites are a key part of North America’s early warning systems. In their 22,300-mile geosynchronous orbits, DSP satellites help protect the United States and its allies by detecting missile launches, space launches and nuclear detonations.