Japan developed the Geostationary Meteorological Satellite (GMS) as part of the Global Atmospheric Research Program and the World Weather Watch, two international programs aimed at improving understanding of Earth's atmosphere. Japan contributed three satellites, launched from 1977 to 1984.
Built by Hughes Aircraft, each satellite was spin-stabilized and carried a complement of instrumentation, including visible and infrared spin-scan radiometers and a space environment monitor as instrumentation. Full earth images taken by the radiometer were used to monitor cloud cover location, wind patterns and to determine sea surface temperature gradients.
Hughes Aircraft donated this 1/24 scale model of a GMS satellite to the Museum in 1975.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MODELS-Uncrewed Spacecraft & Parts
Manufacturer
Hughes Aircraft Co.
Dimensions
3-D: 9.8 × 9.8 × 15.9cm (3 7/8 × 3 7/8 × 6 1/4 in.)
Materials
Non-Magnetic Metal Alloy
Wood
Plastic
Steel
Paint
Inventory Number
A19750780000
Credit Line
Gift of Hughes Aircraft Co.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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