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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