Weather+Satellites+(TIROS+Series,+Nimbus+Series,+GOES+Series

[] http://science.nasa.gov/missions/tiros/ http://science.nasa.gov/missions/nimbus/ http://goes.gsfc.nasa.gov/text/history/goes/goes.html

**15 Facts:** Tiros Series- was a series of weather satellites operated 1960s- present TIROS- television infrared observation satellite program (April 1, 1960) 1st experimental step to determine if satellites could be useful in the study of the Earth Also tested for spacecraft- instruments, data and operational parameters Goal- was to improve satellite applications of Earth- bound decisions, such as “should we evacuate the coast because of the hurricane?” 1st priority was the development of a meteorological satellite information system. Went successful- providing the first accurate weather forecasts based on date gathered from space. Continued coverage of the Earth’s weather in 1962, used by meteorologists worldwide. Lead to the development of more sophisticated meteorologists observation satellites. Nimbus Series- was a series of weather satellites operated 1964- 1978 (August 27, 1964) Nimbus Satellites- carried a number of instruments: microwave radiometers, atmospheric sounders, ozone mappers, the Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS), infrared radiometers Nimbus-7, last in the series, provided significant global date on sea-ice coverage, atmospheric temperature, atmospheric chemistry, the Earth’s radiation budget, and sea-surface temperature. Objectives- to provide improved photographs of local cloud conditions by an automatic picture transmission (APT) system, to evaluate an advanced vidicon camera system for daylight coverage and a high-resolution infrared radiometer system for night-time could cover observation Missions sent back over 27,000 high-resolution photos, at its height they photographed 70% of the world each day. APT system supplied daytime photos to more than 60 low-cost ground stations Radiometer photos were clear and covered a 12,500- square mile area. GOES Series- series of geosynchrous weather satellites that continue to provide systematic, global weather observation, providing total global coverage Primary function- provision of timely global weather information and warning of developing storm. GOES imagery is viewed on many television weather reports. Maintain 2 satellites- provides coverage of 60% of the Earth. Remained essential cornerstone of weather observations and forecasting for 25 years. Used to create PEACESAT (Pan-Pacific Educational and Cultural Experiments by Satellite)- provides satellite telecommunications to serve the educational, economic development, medical and cultural needs of many Pacific island nations and territories.