Weather Satellites: TIROS VI

TIROS VI - Television Infrared Observation Satellite VI

Launch date: September 18, 1962

Launch site: Cape Canaveral, Florida

Launch vehicle: Three-stage Delta

PROGRAM OBJECTIVE:

Continued research and development of the meteorological satellite information system. To maintain an operational TIROS in orbit for an extended period of time. To obtain improved (both resolution and aerial coverage) data for operational use in weather forecasting during hurricane season. To provide operational support for the Mercury-Atlas 8 launch on October 3, 1962.

SPACECRAFT DESCRIPTION:

The spacecraft was 42 inches in diameter, 22 inches high and weighed 270 pounds. The craft was made of aluminum alloy and stainless steel then covered by 9200 solar cells. The solar cells served to charge the 63 nickel-cadmium batteries.

This craft contained all of the instrumentation of TIROS V The three radiation sensors which were disconnected prior to the launch of TIROS V were not ready to fly on TIROS VI. The TIROS VI launch had originally been scheduled for November, 1962 but was moved to the earlier September date to work with TIROS V to provide operational support to meteorologists during hurricane season. In addition, TIROS VI was used to detect snow cover on an experimental basis. TIROS VI lasted the longest of the TIROS series thus far, remaining operational for 389 days.

PARTICIPANTS:

NASA, RCA, US Weather Bureau.