These were early launches of classified Defense Meteorological Satellite Program satellites. The squadron is a backup to NOAA for Defense Meteorological Satellite Program operations. The eclipse was also observed by meteorological satellite Meteosat-10. VNIIEM developed the Geosynchronous Orbit Meteorological Satellite. The TIROS-1 Program's first priority was the development of a meteorological satellite information system. NOAA has operated a continuous series of low earth orbiting meteorological satellite since April 1960. The designation DMSP-2 (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 2) was retroactively assigned to these satellites. The designation DMSP-1 (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 1) was retroactively assigned to these satellites. The designation DMSP-3 (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Block 3) was retroactively assigned to this satellite. The resulting fire "hot spots" were easily detected using meteorological satellite images. KALPANA-1 is an exclusive meteorological satellite launched by PSLV in September 2002. Nimbus B was a meteorological satellite launched as part of the Nimbus program. SMC also supports the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program and the Follow-on Early Warning System. In 1977, Japan's National Space Development Agency launched the NEC geostationary meteorological satellite, named Himawari.