Nimbus was a research program conducted by NASA in the 1960s and 1970s to study the Earth's atmosphere and weather via satellites in polar orbit. This artifact SIRS-B (Satellite Infrared Spectrometer) was a key research instrument, called a sounder, used to measure temperature and water vapor at different levels in the atmosphere.
A SIRS-B sounder flew on Nimbus 4, launched in 1970. It provided daily measurements of temperature and moisture, which then were used to develop computer models of the dynamics of the Earth's atmosphere.
This artifact is a flight spare and was transferred to the Museum by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in 1987.
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
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Instruments & Payloads
Manufacturer
Santa Barbara Research Center
Dimensions
Overall: 54.61 x 38.1cm (1ft 9 1/2in. x 1ft 3in.)
Materials
Aluminum, Gold Plating, Rubber (Silicone), Steel, Plastic, Acrylic (Plexiglas), Copper, Paint, Glass
Inventory Number
A19870196000
Credit Line
Transferred from NOAA
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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