Space Guardians: A Quiz on Defense Satellites

The first defense satellite launched into space was actually Discoverer 1 (also known as Corona 9001). It was part of the CORONA reconnaissance satellite program developed by the United States for military reconnaissance purposes. Discoverer 1 was launched on February 28, 1959.

The first successful spy satellite, CORONA, was launched by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) of the United States. The CORONA program was a classified project aimed at gathering intelligence through reconnaissance satellites during the Cold War.

The satellite system used by the United States for missile defense is SBIRS (Space-Based Infrared System). The SBIRS program is designed to provide early warning of missile launches, support missile defense, and gather technical intelligence. It uses infrared surveillance to detect and track missiles.

The purpose of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) is primarily Weather Forecasting. DMSP satellites are designed to collect meteorological, oceanographic, and solar-geophysical data for the United States Department of Defense. While they do contribute to weather forecasting, their main focus is on providing critical weather information to support military operations and planning.

The satellite system that provides global positioning and navigation services is the Global Positioning System (GPS). Developed and operated by the United States Department of Defense, GPS is a satellite-based navigation system that allows users to determine their precise location and track movement anywhere on Earth.

The Delta rocket series was initially developed by Douglas Aircraft Company, which later became McDonnell Douglas. The Delta rockets have played a significant role in launching both defense and civilian satellites, serving as reliable launch vehicles for various missions since the 1960s. The Delta rockets were later merged into the United Launch Alliance (ULA) family after the acquisition of McDonnell Douglas by Boeing and the subsequent formation of ULA.

The defense satellite system responsible for protecting against ballistic missile threats is THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense). THAAD is an advanced missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase of flight. While THAAD itself is a ground-based system, satellites can play a role in early warning and tracking of ballistic missile launches, contributing to the overall missile defense architecture. However, THAAD is primarily a ground-based system with interceptors designed to neutralize incoming ballistic missiles.

In 2007, China successfully conducted its first anti-satellite missile test by destroying one of its defunct weather satellites. The test, known as Fengyun-1C, involved a kinetic kill vehicle launched atop a ballistic missile that intercepted and destroyed the non-operational Chinese weather satellite in low Earth orbit.

The individual often referred to as the 'father of the Chinese space program' is Qian Xuesen. Qian Xuesen was a prominent aerospace engineer and scientist who played a crucial role in the development of China's missile and space programs. He contributed significantly to China's space capabilities and was involved in the country's early missile and satellite projects.

The satellite system that provides communication for the United States military forces is MILSTAR (Military Strategic and Tactical Relay). MILSTAR is a secure and robust communication satellite system designed to support the communication needs of the U.S. Department of Defense. It enables secure, jam-resistant, and survivable communication for military forces operating on land, at sea, and in the air.