Object Details
Manufacturer
RCA Astro Electronics
Summary
The Improved TIROS Operational Satellite (ITOS) inaugurated the second generation of a space-based system to provide continuous, day-to-day observations of the Earth's weather systems. ITOS launched a total of six satellites from 1970 through 1976, continuing the mission of the TIROS and the TIROS Operational Satellite programs.
ITOS flew in a polar, sun-synchronous orbit and used improved stabilization techniques that allowed the spacecraft always to point its cameras and other sensors at the Earth. The satellite carried Automatic Picture Transmission cameras to provide instant weather data to ground stations around the world; Advanced Vidicon Camera Subsystems for detailed observations; and scanning radiometers for imaging the earth at night.
ITOS 1 had an operational life of 510 days, taking more than 100,000 images of the Earth. This artifact is a prototype of ITOS-1; NASA transferred it to the Museum in 1976.
Alternate Name
ITOS Meteorological Satellite
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Inventory Number
A19761828000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed
Materials
Aluminum, copper, glass
Dimensions
Overall: 121.9 × 101.6cm, 308.9kg, 101.6cm (4 ft. × 3 ft. 4 in., 681lb., 3 ft. 4 in.)
Overall: 487.7 × 121.9 × 299.7cm (16 ft. × 4 ft. × 9 ft. 10 in.)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19761828000