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Nimbus
Nimbus
Nimbus
Credit: NASA
American earth weather satellite. Meteorology, experimental satellite built by RCA Astrospace for NASA, NOAA, USA. Launched 1964 - 1966. Used Nimbus Bus.

Status: Operational 1964. First Launch: 1964-08-28. Last Launch: 1978-10-24. Number: 8 . Gross mass: 907 kg (1,999 lb).

The Nimbus Technology satellite program was initiated by NASA in the early 1960's to develop an observational system capable of meeting the research and development needs of Earth scientists. The objectives of the program were to: develop advanced passive radiometric and spectrometric sensors for surveillance of the atmosphere and oceans; develop and evaluate new active and passive sensors for sounding the atmosphere and for mapping surface characteristics; develop advanced space technology and ground data processing techniques for meteorological and scientific research; and participate in global observation programs such as the World Weather Watch (WWW). Eight spacecraft were built, of which 7 were launched, with one failure, between 1964 and 1978. The Nimbus satellites were placed in polar orbits and acquired global data twice every 24 hours.

Nimbus were second-generation meteorological research-and-development satellites that was designed to serve as a stabilized, earth-oriented platform for the testing of advanced meteorological sensor systems and for collecting meteorological data. The polar-orbiting spacecraft consisted of three major elements: (1) a sensory ring, (2) solar paddles, and (3) the control system housing. The solar paddles and the control system housing were connected to the sensory ring by a truss structure, giving the satellite the appearance of an ocean buoy. Nimbus, depending on the experiments carried, was 3.04 to 3.7 m tall, 1.52 m in diameter at the base, and 3 to 3.96 m across with solar paddles extended. The sensory ring, which formed the satellite base, housed the electronics equipment and battery modules. The lower surface of the torus-shaped sensory ring provided mounting space for sensors and telemetry antennas. An H-frame structure mounted within the center of the torus provided support for the larger experiments and tape recorders. Mounted on the control system housing, which was located on top of the spacecraft, were sun sensors, horizon scanners, gas nozzles for attitude control, and a command antenna. Use of a stabilization and control system allowed the spacecraft's orientation to be controlled to within plus or minus 1 degree for all three axes (pitch, roll, and yaw). Sensors carried varied by mission.


More at: Nimbus.

Subtopics

Nimbus B, 3 Meteorology, experimental satellite built by RCA Astrospace for NASA, NOAA, USA. Launched 1968 - 1969. Used Nimbus Bus.

Nimbus 4 Meteorology, experimental satellite built by RCA Astrospace for NASA, NOAA, USA. Launched 1970. Used Nimbus Bus.

Landsat 1-2-3 American earth land resources satellite. The first 3 Landsat missions were also known as the Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS) series. Earth Observing satellite built by RCA Astro Space for NASA, USA. Launched 1972 - 1978. Used Nimbus Bus.

Nimbus 5 Meteorology, experimental satellite built by RCA Astrospace for NASA, NOAA, USA. Launched 1972. Used Nimbus Bus.

Nimbus 6 Meteorology, experimental satellite built by RCA Astrospace for NASA, NOAA, USA. Launched 1975. Used Nimbus Bus.

Nimbus 7 Meteorology, experimental satellite built by RCA Astrospace for NASA, NOAA, USA. Launched 1978. Used Nimbus Bus.

Family: Earth, Earth weathersat, Sun synchronous orbit. Country: USA. Launch Vehicles: Thor, Delta, Thor SLV-2A Agena B, Thor SLV-2 Agena B, Thorad SLV-2G Agena D, Delta 0900, Delta 2910, Delta 0100, Delta 2000. Launch Sites: Vandenberg, Vandenberg SLC2E, Vandenberg SLC2W. Agency: NASA. Bibliography: 126, 2, 297, 3966, 3967, 3968, 3969, 3970, 3971, 3972, 3973, 3974, 3975, 6, 6737, 12880, 12881, 12882, 12883, 12884, 12885.
Photo Gallery

NimbusNimbus
Credit: NASA


Nimbus 1Nimbus 1
Credit: Manufacturer Image


Nimbus 4Nimbus 4
Credit: Manufacturer Image


Nimbus 5Nimbus 5
Credit: Manufacturer Image


Nimbus 6Nimbus 6
Credit: Manufacturer Image


Nimbus 7Nimbus 7
Credit: Manufacturer Image


Nimbus BNimbus B
Credit: Manufacturer Image



1964 August 28 - . 07:56 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC2E. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor SLV-2 Agena B. FAILURE: Agena-B cut off too early. Partial Failure.. Failed Stage: U.
1966 May 15 - . 07:55 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC2E. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor SLV-2A Agena B.
1968 May 18 - . 08:23 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC2E. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thorad SLV-2G Agena D. FAILURE: Failure. Failed Stage: U.
1969 April 14 - . 07:54 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC2E. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thorad SLV-2G Agena D.
1970 April 8 - . 08:17 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC2E. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thorad SLV-2G Agena D.
1972 July 23 - . 18:06 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC2W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Delta 0900.
1972 December 11 - . 07:56 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC2W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Delta 0900.
1975 January 22 - . 17:55 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC2W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Delta 2910.
1975 June 12 - . 08:12 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC2W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Delta 2910.
1978 January - .
1978 March 5 - . 17:54 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC2W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Delta 2910.
1978 October 24 - . 08:15 GMT - . Launch Site: Vandenberg. Launch Complex: Vandenberg SLC2W. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Delta 2910.
1982 February 25 - .
1983 March 31 - .

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