ERBS was part of the NASA's three-satellite Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE), designed to investigate how energy from the Sun is absorbed and re-emitted by the Earth. This process of absorption and re-radiation was one of the principal drivers of the Earth's weather patterns. Following deployment from STS-41G, astronaut Sally Ride had to shake the satellite with the remote manipulator arm to get the solar arrays to deploy.

Observations from ERBS were also used to determine the effects of human activities (such as burning fossil fuels and the use CFCs) and natural occurrences (such as volcanic eruptions) on the Earth's radiation balance. The other instruments of the ERBE were flown on NOAA 9 and 10.

The spacecraft was 3-axis stabilized to 1 degree using magnetic torquers, with a hydrazine RCS backup. Two solar arrays generated 2164 W (EOL peak), and recharged two 50 Ahr NiCd batteries. The hydrazine propulsion system supported ACS yaw maneuvers (required to keep solar arrays illuminated) and initial orbit raising. Downlink (at 128 kbps), and uplink were through the TDRSS relay satellite using an electrically steerable spherical array antenna.

Payloads included:

• SAGE II (Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment) - measured stratospheric aerosols, O3, NO2, water vapor. 7 channels : 0.385 - 1.02 µ m, 0.5 km resolution.
• ERBE Non-Scanner (Earth Radiation Budget Experiment)
• ERBE Scanner - measured reflected solar radiation, Earth emitted radiation. 3 Channels : 0.2 - 50.0 µ m, 40 km resolution.
• ERBE (Non-Scanner) - measured the total energy of Sun's radiant heat and light. Channels 1-4 : 0.2 - 3.5 µ m, 0.2 - 50.0 µ m; Channel 5 : 0.2 - 50.0 µ m; 1000 km resolution across swath full solar disc.

Design Life: 2 years. Typical orbit: 610 km, 57 deg inclination. Length: 4.60 m (15.00 ft). Maximum Diameter: 3.50 m (11.40 ft). Mass: 226 kg (498 lb). Associated Launch Vehicle: Shuttle.

• 1984 October 5 - ERBS - Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Vehicle: Shuttle. Mass: 226 kg (498 lb). Perigee: 576 km (357 mi). Apogee: 589 km (365 mi). Inclination: 57.00 deg. Period: 96.30 min.

  Earth Radiation Budget Satellite. Spacecraft engaged in research and exploration of the upper atmosphere or outer space (US Cat B).