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Observing Systems Capability Analysis and Review Tool
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Observation Requirements
Space-based Capabilities
Surface-based Capabilities
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Overview
Programmes
Satellites
Instruments
Frequencies
Agencies
Satellite Status
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Satellite Programme: Television and Infra-Red Observation Satellite
Programme details
Programme description
Series of 10 experimental satellite for meteorology.
From a historical viewpoint, considered as the 1st generation of NOAA polar satellites.
USA programme: NASA responsible of development and operations,
The satellites were spin-stabilised with space orientation, except TIROS-9 that had spin axis perpendicular to the orbital plane ("cartwheel" configuration).
The design lifetime was 6 months.
The orbits were drifting, with medium inclination, except TIROS-9 and TIROS-10 that had sunsynchronous orbits around 9:30.
The replacement policy was to launch satellites at roughly 6-month intervals.
See detailed description at
http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/SpacecraftQuery.jsp
.
Data circulation
Data onboard stored and downlinked to NASA stations, except for TIROS-8 that, in addition, introduced the Automatic Picture Transmission (APT).
Agencies
NASA
Programme lifetime
1960 - 1968
Associated satellites and instruments
Note: red tag => no longer operational , green tag => operational , blue tag => planned
Television and Infra-Red Observation Satellite
TIROS-1
(1960-1960)
VCS-NA
VCS-WA
TIROS-2
(1960-1961)
FPR
MRIR
VCS-NA
VCS-WA
TIROS-3
(1961-1962)
FPR
MRIR
VCS-WA
TIROS-4
(1962-1962)
FPR
MRIR
VCS-MA
VCS-WA
TIROS-5
(1962-1963)
VCS-MA
VCS-WA
TIROS-6
(1962-1963)
VCS-MA
VCS-WA
TIROS-7
(1963-1968)
FPR
LP
MRIR
VCS-WA
TIROS-8
(1963-1967)
APT
VCS-WA
TIROS-9
(1965-1968)
VCS-WA
TIROS-10
(1965-1967)
VCS-WA