Also called:
Synchronous Meteorological
Satellite
Date of launch (location):
May 17, 1974 (ETR)
Launch vehicle:
Delta 2914
Weight (kg):
628
Shape:
cylindrical with magnetometer mounted
on one end
Dimensions (m):
1.91 diameter
2.30 height
Power source:
Solar cells plus NiCd
batteries
Responsible NASA center:
Goddard Space Flight Center
Prime contractor:
Philco-Ford Corp.
Project manager:
Don V. Fordyce
Objectives:
Evaluate prototype operational
meteorological satellite for the National Weather Service of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; for one
year SMS 1 should provide regular daytime and nighttime
meteorological observations in support of the national
operational meteorological satellite system.
Equipment:
Visible and Infrared Spin Scan
Radiometer (VISRR)
Data Collection System (DCS)
Results:
Successful; first geostationary
meteorological satellite; was operational until Jan. 1976;
boosted out of orbit Jan. 1981.
Reference: NASA, "SMS 1 Mission Operations Report," E-608-74-01, May 10, 1974.