The latest Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) spacecraft has been turned over to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for operational use, manufacturer Lockheed Martin announced. DMSP F-17 Block 5D-3, built under contract for the U.S. Air Force, was placed into orbit in November.

DMSP provides weather forecasts that aid the U.S. military in planning operations. The Block 5D-3 spacecraft accommodates larger sensor payloads than earlier generations and feature more powerful on-board computers and increased battery capacity.