Weather Satellites: NIMBUS II

NIMBUS II

Launch date: May 15, 1966

Launch site: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

Launch vehicle: TAT-Agena B

PROGRAM OBJECTIVE:

To provide global cloud photography on a 24-hour basis for both research and operational interests. To provide infrared data for study of the earth's radiation balance. To demonstrate the 24-hour capability of APT direct readout ground station network.

SATELLITE DESCRIPTION:

The spacecraft was designed and configured exactly the same as NIMBUS I. The total weight of the spacecraft was 912 pounds.

The craft contained three cameras with direct readout and delayed readout capabilities. A high resolution infrared radiometer operated in the 3.4 to 4.2 micron region. A five channel medium resolution infrared radiometer measured the earth's heat budget balance on a daily basis. Two horizon scanners, sun sensors and freon gas jets provided the attitude control.

The craft was placed in sun synchronous orbit and returned more than 150,000 photos. Approximately 150 APT ground stations (including 44 in 26 foreign countries) received NIMBUS II pictures. Infrared imagery was used extensively to observe the surface heating characteristics of the hurricane breeding grounds over the tropical oceans. NIMBUS II remained operational until January 18, 1969.

PARTICIPANTS:

NASA, General Electric, ITT, Hughes, RCA, US Weather Bureau.