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TIROS 1 (00029)
COSPAR: 1960-002B | Alt Name: TIROS-A
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 1, 1960
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC-17A
Launch Vehicle
Thor Able II
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
00029
International Designator
1960-002B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:36:13 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
48.38°
Right Ascension
304.63°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
339.92°
Period
97.38 min
Mean Motion
14.79 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 1
Alternative Name
TIROS-A
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
NASA
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
First successful weather satellite; provided the first television images of Earth from space.
Latest TLEs
1 00029U 60002B 26185.02515657 .00000585 00000-0 10737-3 0 9991
2 00029 48.3788 304.6252 0022242 339.9198 20.0838 14.78796492544626
Source: Celestrak
Summary
TIROS 1 was a weather satellite launched by NASA on April 1, 1960, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Thor Able II launch vehicle. The spacecraft measured 1.1 meters in diameter and had a dry mass of 122 kilograms. It was equipped with two vidicon TV cameras for capturing Earth cloud cover images.
The satellite operated for 78 days, transmitting over 19,000 usable images during its mission. TIROS 1 provided the first successful television images of the Earth from space, revolutionizing weather forecasting and meteorology. The spacecraft's power came from 9,200 solar cells charging nickel-cadmium batteries, and it was spin-stabilized at approximately 8-12 rpm.
TIROS 1 played a significant role in establishing the use of satellites for weather observation and monitoring. Its design and technology paved the way for future satellite-based meteorological systems, including those still in operation today.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.56
Diameter
1.1
Span
1.1
Dry Mass
122
Launch Mass
122
Shape
Cylindrical
Radar Cross Section
0.803
Visual Magnitude
6.1
Color
Silver (aluminum-clad)
Material Composition
Aluminum alloy and stainless steel.
Technical Details
Payload
Two vidicon TV cameras for cloud cover imaging.
Purpose
Meteorology
Mission
Meteorology
Manufacturer
RCA
Life Expectancy
Operated for 78 days, transmitting over 19,000 usable images.
Bus
TIROS
Configuration
Axial
Motor
Solid-fuel thrusters for spin stabilization.
Equipment
Two 1.27-cm-diameter vidicon TV cameras (one wide-angle and one narrow-angle) for capturing Earth cloud cover images.
Power System
Powered by 9,200 solar cells charging nickel-cadmium batteries.
ADCS
Spin-stabilized at approximately 8-12 rpm.
Transmitter Frequency
235 MHz
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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