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TIROS 3 (00162)
COSPAR: 1961-017A | Alt Name: TIROS-C
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 12, 1961
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC-17A
Launch Vehicle
Thor-Delta
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00162
International Designator
1961-017A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:00:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
47.90°
Right Ascension
292.28°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
44.86°
Period
99.63 min
Mean Motion
14.45 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
TIROS 3
Alternative Name
TIROS-C
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
Launched on July 12, 1961; provided valuable meteorological data until deactivation on February 28, 1962.
Latest TLEs
1 00162U 61017A 26185.04232779 .00000048 00000-0 59668-4 0 9990
2 00162 47.8997 292.2815 0043256 44.8585 315.5792 14.45400624394219
Source: Celestrak
Summary
TIROS 3 was a meteorological satellite launched on July 12, 1961, by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The spacecraft was equipped with various instruments for cloud cover imaging and radiation measurement, including two television camera subsystems, a low-resolution radiometer, an omnidirectional radiometer, and a five-channel infrared scanning radiometer. It had a unique 18-sided prism shape and measured approximately 1.07 meters in diameter.
The satellite was designed to be spin-stabilized at a rate of 8-12 revolutions per minute, with magnetic control for attitude adjustment. Power was provided by approximately 9,000 silicon solar cells on the spacecraft's surface, charging onboard batteries. TIROS 3 operated nominally until January 22, 1962, and its data contributed significantly to our understanding of weather patterns during that period.
TIROS 3 was deactivated on February 28, 1962, marking the end of its operational lifetime. The satellite's mission marked another milestone in the development of meteorological satellites, following the successful launches of TIROS-1 and TIROS-2.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.56
Diameter
1.07
Span
1.07
Dry Mass
129
Launch Mass
129
Shape
18-sided right prism
Radar Cross Section
0.8244
Visual Magnitude
5
Color
Silver (aluminum-clad)
Material Composition
Aluminum alloy and stainless steel structure.
Technical Details
Payload
Meteorological instruments for cloud cover imaging and radiation measurement.
Purpose
Meteorology
Mission
Meteorology
Manufacturer
RCA Astro Electronics
Life Expectancy
Operated nominally until January 22, 1962; deactivated on February 28, 1962.
Bus
TIROS
Configuration
18-sided right prism
Motor
Not applicable
Equipment
Two independent television camera subsystems for cloud cover imaging; two-channel low-resolution radiometer; omnidirectional radiometer; five-channel infrared scanning radiometer.
Power System
Approximately 9,000 silicon solar cells covering the top and sides of the spacecraft, charging onboard batteries.
ADCS
Spin-stabilized at 8 to 12 rpm; magnetic control device for attitude adjustment.
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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