TIROS-1: the story on HearLore

An Eighteen-Sided Prism

Engineers built the satellite as an 18-sided right prism with specific dimensions across opposite corners. Its height measured exactly four feet from base to top. Power came from approximately 9000 silicon solar cells mounted on the cover assembly. These cells fed energy into 21 nickel-cadmium batteries for storage. A single monopole antenna extended from the top to receive ground commands. Two crossed-dipole antennas projected signals down and diagonally out from the baseplate. Five pairs of small solid-fuel thrusters maintained a spin rate between 8 and 12 rpm around the edge. This design kept the machine stable while it rotated in space.

Launch From Cape Canaveral

A Thor Able II rocket lifted TIROS-1 from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral. The launch occurred precisely at 11:40:09 UTC on that April day. The vehicle successfully placed the satellite into low Earth orbit. Ground stations immediately began receiving signals from the new observer. The mission started its operational life without immediate technical glitches. Engineers monitored the system closely during these first days of flight. They watched to see if the hardware would survive the harsh environment above the atmosphere.

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.

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.

TIROS-1.

An Eighteen-Sided Prism

Launch From Cape Canaveral

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