When did NASA launch TIROS-1?
NASA launched TIROS-1 on the 1st of April 1960. The launch occurred precisely at 11:40:09 UTC from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral.
Questions about TIROS-1
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What were the physical dimensions and power sources for TIROS-1?
Engineers built TIROS-1 as an 18-sided right prism with a height of four feet. Power came from approximately 9000 silicon solar cells mounted on the cover assembly that fed energy into 21 nickel-cadmium batteries.
How many photos did TIROS-1 return during its mission?
The satellite returned 23,000 photos of the Earth over its short lifespan. About 19,000 of those images proved usable for weather analysis.
Why did active operations end for TIROS-1?
Active operations ended abruptly after only a few months of service when an electrical power failure struck on the 15th of June 1960. The malfunction prevented any further useful TV transmission from reaching Earth.
Where is TIROS-1 located today?
Despite the power failure in 1960, the physical object remains in orbit today. It continues to circle the planet as a silent witness to history.