National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Past Exhibition
TIROS Meteorological Satellite
TIROS (Television Infrared Observation Satellite) I, launched in April 1960, was the world's first weather satellite. TIROS imaged large swaths of the Earth's surface, allowing forecasters and scientists to see directly for the first time the large-scale features of our planet's weather systems. Operating for three months, the satellite transmitted thousands of images of cloud patterns and other phenomena to ground stations.
TIROS I, and a series of successor test satellites, provided the technical experience to start separate civilian and military space-based weather observation programs. By the mid 1960s, the civilian TIROS program launched a series of satellites to provide routine, daily weather observations. The program is still in operation today and, in conjunction with other weather satellites, has made space-based weather observations a commonplace of contemporary life.
This spacecraft was a backup for TIROS I and II and was used in ground testing. NASA transferred the artifact to the Museum in 1965.
Display Status
This object is on display in One World Connected at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Key Accomplishment(s)
World's First Weather Satellite
Brief Description
TIROS (Television Infrared Observation Satellite) I was the world's first weather satellite. Launched in April 1960, it imaged large swaths of the Earth's surface, allowing forecasters and scientists to see large-scale weather system features for the first time.
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed
Manufacturer
RCA Astro Electronics
Dimensions
3ft 6in. diameter x 2ft 1in. (106.7 x 63.5cm) height. Weight: 122.5kg (270lb.)
Materials
Aluminum, copper alloy, silicon, glass
Alternate Name
TIROS Meteorological Satellite
Inventory Number
A19650289000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
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