Launched in June 1978, Seasat 1 was the first satellite designed to monitor and study the oceans globally. In addition to acquiring basic data, the satellite helped establish the requirements for an operational oceans monitoring system. Designed to operate for three years, a power malfunction ended the satellite's service after four months.
Seasat 1 carried a wide variety of data sensors, including a radar altimeter, synthetic aperture radar, and several types of radiometers. These instruments gathered information on ice fields, oil spills, ocean current patterns, wave forms, storm formations, rain cells, atmospheric wind speeds, and other meteorological phenomena.
The artifact is a 1/20 scale model of the spacecraft, transferred from Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, to the Museum in 1984.
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
Scale Model Company
Dimensions
Overall: 68.58 high x 53.34 wide x 44.45 deep cm (2ft 3in. x 1ft 9in. x 1ft 5 1/2in.)
Materials
Plastic, aluminum
Inventory Number
A19840051000
Credit Line
Transferred from Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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