Object Details
Manufacturer
Santa Barbara Research Center
Summary
Nimbus was a research program conducted by NASA in the 1960s and 1970s to study the Earth's atmosphere and weather via satellites in polar orbit. This artifact SIRS-B (Satellite Infrared Spectrometer) was a key research instrument, called a sounder, used to measure temperature and water vapor at different levels in the atmosphere.
A SIRS-B sounder flew on Nimbus 4, launched in 1970. It provided daily measurements of temperature and moisture, which then were used to develop computer models of the dynamics of the Earth's atmosphere.
This artifact is a flight spare and was transferred to the Museum by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in 1987.
Credit Line
Transferred from NOAA
Inventory Number
A19870196000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Instruments & Payloads
Materials
Aluminum, Gold Plating, Rubber (Silicone), Steel, Plastic, Acrylic (Plexiglas), Copper, Paint, Glass
Dimensions
Overall: 54.61 x 38.1cm (1ft 9 1/2in. x 1ft 3in.)
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_A19870196000