Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co. delivered the latest U.S. Department of Defense weather satellite to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Lockheed Martin announced June 13.

The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) spacecraft, dubbed F-17, is the second in the Block 5D-3 series. The satellites carry larger sensor payloads than previous DMSP models and also feature a more powerful computer with increased memory and larger battery capacity.

The first Block 5D-3 spacecraft was placed into orbit in October 2003. F-17, scheduled to be placed into orbit in December, is one of four DMSP satellites that remain to be launched.