Also called:
NOAA-A, Operational Temperature
Sounding Satellite, Television Infrared Observations
Satellite N
Date of launch (location):
Oct. 13, 1978 (WTR)
Launch vehicle:
Atlas F
Weight (kg):
1405
Shape:
Pentagonal with instruments mounted
from the two ends and a solar panel extending from a boom on
one end
Dimensions (m):
3.71 height
1.88 diameter
Power source:
Solar panel plus NiCd
batteries
Responsible NASA center:
Goddard Space Flight Center
Prime contractor:
RCA
Project manager:
Gilbert A. Branchflower
Spacecraft manager:
W. Peacock
Objectives:
Evaluate operational prototype of
third-generation meteorology satellite (14-month lifetime);
participate in GARP.
Equipment:
Tiros Operational Vertical
Sounder
High-Resolution Infrared Radiation
Sounder
Stratospheric Sounding Unit
Microwave Sounding Unit
Advanced VHRR
Space Environment Monitor
Total Energy Detector
Medium-Energy Proton and Electron
Detector
High-Energy Proton and Electron
Detector
Data Collection System
(Random-Access)
Results:
Successful; NOAA assumed operational
control of the satellite on Nov. 6. 1978; it was turned off
on Feb. 21, 1981.
Reference: NASA, "Tiros N Mission Operations Report," E-614-78-01, Oct. 1, 1978