The Day America Entered the Space Age
Sixty-seven years ago, a slender rocket carried America's first satellite into orbit, discovering a mysterious feature of our planet that would change our understanding of space forever
ESSA 9 (TOS-G) (03764)
COSPAR: 1969-016A | Alt Name: ESSA 9
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 26, 1969
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17B
Launch Vehicle
Thor Delta E1
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
03764
International Designator
1969-016A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:15:42 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
101.40°
Right Ascension
199.22°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
49.55°
Period
115.21 min
Mean Motion
12.50 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
ESSA 9 (TOS-G)
Alternative Name
ESSA 9
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
ESSA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 03764U 69016A 26200.76090933 -.00000049 00000+0 -44835-4 0 9991
2 03764 101.4036 199.2230 0051527 49.5463 123.3050 12.49861925991891
Source: Celestrak
Summary
Apologies, there is no summary for this satellite yet. I am working to generate these for every object in the catalog, but it is going to take time.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.6
Diameter
1.1
Span
1.1
Dry Mass
157
Launch Mass
157
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
0.7838
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
TOS G
Purpose
Meteorology
Mission
Meteorology
Manufacturer
RCA
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Tiros I
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
?
Equipment
2 x AVCS (#T9, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9); 2 x APT (#2, 4, 6, 8); FPR (#3, 5, 7, 9)
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 25 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches Starlink satellites successfully, while Starbase inches closer to city status and business discussions intensify.
Starlink 10-50 Launches With Semiconductor Payload Aboard | KeepTrack X Report
A Falcon 9 lifted off from SLC-40 at 6:50 a.m. EDT carrying Starlink satellites and Besxar Space Industries semiconductor test pods.
X Report 5 Dec 2025
SpaceX made significant strides with the launch of 28 Starlink satellites while navigating regulatory challenges regarding rural broadband funding. Additionally, developments on the Crew Dragon mission continue to evolve with a change in cosmonaut assignment.
X Report 16 Apr 2025
SpaceX gears up for another busy week with a Falcon 9 launch to the ISS while Vast Space expands its Haven-1 payload roster.
Space Brief 14 Jul 2025
Today's briefing covers the latest developments in satellite intelligence funding, new mandates affecting space launch and missile defense, and the early conclusion of a private astronaut mission. We also discuss Firefly Aerospace's plans to go public and stunning imagery from NASA's Parker Solar Probe.
X Report 18 Nov 2024
SpaceX launches multiple satellites, prepares for Starship Flight 6, and exciting collaborations with AST SpaceMobile.
Space Brief 28 Oct 2024
Explore China's ambitions to expand its Tiangong space station, NASA's next steps for the Europa Clipper mission, and ESA's efforts to support the European space industry. Discover the latest in satellite tracking and consider the fascinating findings on potential life on Mars.