[Satellite Today 10-24-08] Northrop Grumman Corp. was awarded a contract by the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center to provide technical support for the operational Defense Support Program (DSP) spacecraft, primary infrared sensor and mission analysis, the company announced O)ct. 23.
    Northrop Grumman built the DSP infrared sensors and integrated them with the spacecraft The first DSP was launched in 1970 and the final DSP in 2007.The spacecraft and sensor have been upgraded several times during the program’s history.
    The contract, which could be worth up to $206 million, includes an initial year of support followed by four one-year options.