NEWS RELEASE

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

a A400 MARYLAND AVENUE, SW, WASHINGTON 25, D.C.
TELEPHONES. WORTH 2-4155-WORTH 3-6925

FOR RELEASE: A.M.'s Sunday

June 16, 1963
RELEASE NO: 63-1322
Press Kit

SEVENTH TIROS SATELLITE TO BE LAUNCHED

The seventh launching in the National Aeronautics and Space

Administration's TIROS meteorological satellite series is
scheduled for no earlier than June 18, 1963, at Cape Canaveral,
Florida.

The launching is tired to permit the satellite to obtain

earth cloud cover pictures over hurricane and typhoon breeiing
areas during the forthcoming 1963 tropical storm season.

The new satellite also will carry two infra-red experiments

to measure earth-sun heat-balance radiation relationships as
well as an electron temperature and density probe, the first
such device to be used on a TIROS spacecraft.

-more-
-5--'
 -2-

TIROS is an abbreviation for Television Infra-Red

Observation Satellite.

If successfully placed in orbit, the seventh TIROS

will set new U.S. achievement records in space: seven consecu-

tive TIROS satellites in orbit in seven tries, and 18 straight
successful satellite launchings for the reliable three-stage
Delta booster vehicle. TIROS will circle the earth in a 400-
mile orbit about once every hour and 38 minutes.

Like two previous satellites of the series--TIROS V and VI

--the launch path of the new TIROS extends in a northeasterly

direction from Cape Canaveral, parallel to the east coast of
the U.S., out over the North Atlantic into an orbit with an
angle of inclination of 58 degrees to the Equator. Although
NASA technicians will concentrate the satellite's camera
coverage on tropical storm areas, the angle of inclination will
permit cloud cover picture coverage over an area ranging almost
from the Arctic to the Antarctic.

While in its first ten days of operation, TIROS cameras will

be oriented to photograph portions of the Northern Hemisphere.

It will ther± pass into the Southern Hemisphere for about five
weeks before returning north again at the time when Atlantic
Ocean tropical storm activity is normally at its greatest inten-
sity. The flight plan of the satellite is such that it should
be over storm breeding areas in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

-more-
 -3-

during the critical late summer and early fall periods when
most tropical storms are spawned.

Physically, the new TIROS will resemble its six prede-

cessor "weather eyes in space." This time, as part of the
continuing TIROS research and development program conducted
by NASA, the satellite will use the wide-angle Elgeet lens
in both cameras as did TIROS III. This 104-degree lens,
with
its wide area of coverage--about 750 miles on a side when
pointed straight down from a 400-mile orbit--is especially
well
suited for the tropical 9torm-hunter mission. The second
wide
angle lens replaces the medium angle (76 degrees) lens used
in
TIROS IV, V and VI.

Since its inception the TIROS meteorological satellite

program has been uniquely successful. As the world's first
weather satellite, TIROS has not only proved the feasibility
of the weather satellite concept from a technical standpoint,
but in its three years' existence it has opened new doors
in
the science of weather forecastinzg and meteorological research.

The TIROS.System

The TIROS satellite is a cylindrical, 297-pound, 18-sided

polygon resembling a bass drum or an oversized hat box. It
is
22 inches high and 42 inches in diameter. Its sides and top
are covered with more than 9,000 solar cells which, when
exposed
to the sun's rays, produce electrical power to recharge
the

-more-
 -4-

satellite's 63 nickel-cadmium batteries. Protruding from

its top is an 18-inch receiving antenna through which ground-
based commands are received. At the bottom, four 22--inch
transmitting whip antennas are spaced at 90-degree intervals.
Through these antennas the satellite's transmitters relay TV
pictures, infra-red data and telemetry information relating to
spacecraft temperature, pressure, battery charge levels, spin
rate and so forth.

TV Cameras:
Two independent television camera systems, capable of
separate or simultaneous operation, make up the heart of the
TIROS satellite. These cameras are aligned parallel to the
satellite's spin axis and extend several inches below the base-
plate. Each camera system consists of a Vidicon tube and a
focal plare shutter which permits pictures to be stored on the
tube face plate for a brief period. An electron beam converts
a "stored" picture into a TV-type electronic signal which is
then radioed to a ground station or processed onto a unique
magnetic tape recorder for read-out when the satellite is within
a 1,500-mile radius of a ground station.

Up to 64 pictures--32 on each tape---can be recorded and

stored by TIROS during each orbit. Rea(d-out, which takes about
three minutes, is accomplished at a gror:nd station by radio
comnmend. This process automatically erases the tapes which are
then rewound and ready for use when the satellite begins another
orbit around the world,
-more-
 -5-

Operation of the cameras, by direct read-out or magnetic

tape storage techniques, is based on radio commands relayed
from a ground station. These commands set timers in the satel-
lite which activate the camera system when the satellite passes
over an area from whichcloud cover pictures are desired.

At the ground stations, which are located at the NASA

Wallops Station, Wallops Island, Va., and at San Nicholas Island,
Pacific Missile Range, Calif., TV pictures received from the
satellite are flashed on special kinescopes and photographed by
35 mm cameras. Meteorologists at both stations analyze the photo-
graphic data almost immediately.

Control Devices:
The basic TIROS control devices are similar to those
employed in the earlier spacecraft. They include a horizon
scanner, a north indicator, a magnetic attitude control system
as well as mechanisms to control the spin rate and maintain in-
flight stability.

The horizon scanner uses an infra-red sensor mounted on the

rim of the satellite to determine when its field of view crosses
the earth's horizon. This data is telemetered to a ground station
by the tracking beacon and helps technicians determine the satel-
lite's position in space relative to the earth.

-more-
 -6-

The north indicator consists of nine sun sensors spaced

equally around the sides. These sensors permit measuring the

position of the spacecraft with respect to the sun. The infor-

mation is telemetered to ground stations where computers de-

termine sun-angles in order that technicians can orient north
in each picture received.

The magnetic attitude control system consists of a simple

wire coil around the outside lower portion of the satellite.
This coil generates a controllable magnetic field around the
satellite which interacts with that of the earth. Thus, it provides

a means for gradually tilting the satellite by ground commaasd to

obtain the most advantageous angle for picture taking. This
system is also used, when necessary, to tilt the spacecraft so

that the solar cells face into the sun in order to recharge the
batteries.

To slow TIROS from its initial orbital spin rate of 126

RPM down to its optlimum operating rate of about 12 RPM, a timer,

at about ten minutes after separation from the Delta rocket, re-
leases two weights attached to cables wound around the satellite.
As the weights unwind they exert a force which "de-spins" the
satellite. When they are completely unwound they drop off
automatically.

-more-
 In order to remain stable in orbit TIROS must maintain
a spin rate of at least eight RPM. When this minimum is
approached, a pair of small solid fuel rockets on the rim of
the baseplate are ignited by radio command from the ground.
These rockets increase the spin rate by about three RPM. There.
are five pairs of these tiny rockets, each of which can'be fired
once.

To prevent wobbling in space, the satellite has an internal

arrangement of sliding weights or "precession dampers" mounted
on curved tracks. These weights cancel unwanted satellite mo-
tions.

Infrared and Electron Temperature Probe Experiments:

The infrared experiments carried by TIROS are designed
to make measurements of reflected solar and terrestrial radia-
tion over selected spectrum ranges. The two infrared experiments
are: (1) a five-channel medium resolution scanning radiometer
system developed by the Goddard Space Flight Center, and (2)
an omnidirectional infrared experiment, first flown on TIROS III,
developed by the University of Wisconsin.

The primary purpose of these experiments is to learn how

much solar energy is absorbed and reflected and how much in-
frared radiation is emitted by the earth and its atmosphere as
well as to continue development of techniques for infrared
nighttime cloud cover maps which supplement the daytime TV pic-
ture data now obtained on a routine basis.
-more-
 -8-

The Goddard-developed medium resolution infrared experi-

ment is designed to measure reflected solar radiation from
earth and its atmosphere in five separate channels or spectral
bands. These are: (1) 14-15 microns, for radiation emitted
by carbon dioxide in the atmosphere; (2) 8-12 microns, for
radiation emitted from the near surface of the earth or from
the tops of clouds; (3) 0.2-6, for the entire solar radiation re-
flected by the earth and its atmosphere; (4) 8-30 microns, for ther-
mal radiation emitted by the earth and its atmosphere; (5) .55-.75
microns, for reflected solar radiation which corresponds to ra-
diation seen by the TV cameras.
Measurements such as these, in addition to the production
of infrared cloud cover maps, are valuable in helping to deter-
mine the balance of energy the earth and its atmosphere receive
and reflect from the sun. This energy balance provides the
power for the world's meteorological processes. Measurements
of energy distribution on a global basis helps to provide some
of the answers in this important new area of meteorological
research.

Medium resolution infrared data are recorded continuously

during each orbit on a separate magnetic tape recorder with a
capacity to store up to 100 minutes of information. Upon com-
mand from a ground station, the recorded data are radioed to a
receiver in time-compressed form. This information is processed
and evaluated at the Goddard Space Flight Center.

-more-
 -9-

The omnidirectional--or non-scanning--infrared experiment

supplied by the University of Wisconsin is also designed to
study the heat balance of the earth. It consists of two wide-
angle low-resolution infrared detection devices, each consist-
ing of a black and white bolometer--metallic resistance
thermometers--mounted 180 degrees apart on telescoping supports
projecting from the sides of the spacecraft. Both bolometers
have a high degree of absorptivity to earth infrared radiation,
but only the black bolometer can absorb solar radiation. Knowing
the readings given by both devices permits computation of re-
flected solar and emitted infrared radiation emanating from the
earth. Data from this experiment is transmitted by the same
telemetry system used by the medium resolution experiment.

The electron temperature and density probe, flown for the

first time on TIROS spacecraft, will be similar to the probe
employed in the Explorer XVII Atmospheric Structures Satellite,
launched earlier this year by NASA.

This 13-inch probe is mounted on the spacecraft baseplate.

A voltage difference is applied between the probe and the space-
craft. The amount of current flowing to the probe is an indica-
tion of the kinetic energy and number of electrons, thus an indi-
cation of their temperature and density can be determined by
analysis after the data have been telemetered to the ground.
Data
evaluation is accomplished at the Goddard Space Flight Center.

-more-
 -10-

THE TIROS RECORD

TIROS I:
TIROS I was launched at the Cape Canaveral April 1, 1960,
by a Thor-Able rocket (Delta launch vehicles have been used to
launch all remaining TIROS spacecraft). During its 78 days of

operation (until June 17, 1960), TIROS I transmitted almost

23,000 cloud cover photographs of which more than 19,000 were
useable for weather analysis purposes. As the pioneer space-

craft in the meteorological satellite program, TIROS I opened

a new era in weather observation by providing data covering vast
areas of the earth.

TIROS II:
TIROS II was orbited November 23, 1960, and provided more
than 23,000 useable pictures of cloud cover out of 36,000 trans-
mitted. Its operational lifetime far exceeded initial estimates
and useable pictures from the spacecraft's TV cameras were re-
ceived through July 12, 1961. Pictures of ice pack conditions
in the Gulf of St. Lawrence were the first to show the utility
of weather satellites in locating the boundaries of ice and open
seas.

TIROS III:
TIROS III, launched July 12, 1961, added still further
milestones to the TIROS record, particularly in the detection
of tropical storms. All six of the hurricanes of the 1961
-more-
season were observed by TIROS III. Hurricane Esther was
detected by the satellite's camera eye two days before it was
observed by conventional methods. TIROS III provided informa-
tion which resulted in 70 storm advisories being issued to all
parts of the world.

TIROS IV:
Laumched on Feebruary 8, 1962, TIROS IV proved to be of
great value as a vehicle for ice study and ice reconnaissance.
Project TIREC, supported jointly by the Weather Bureau, the
U.S. Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force, was a ten-day pro-
ject devoted to study of ice photographs from aircraft and the
satellite. An analysis of the data indicated that satellite
photography was a better mears of ice study than conventional
means. TIROS IV cameras operated until June 19, 1962. During
this period more than 32,000 pictures were transmitted.

TIROS V:
The fifth TIROS was launched June 19, 1962, in conjunction
with the beginning of the 1962 tropical storm season. Although
its medium-angle camera malfunctioned on July 6th, TIROS V
established a record for the longest period of continuous opera-
tion and transmission. It finally closed its weather eye in
space on May 16th, this year, after having sent more than
57,000 pictures of which more than 80 percent were useable for
meteorological purposes.

-more-
 -12-

TIROS VI:
Launched September 18, 1962, TIROS VI continues to func-
tion although the Vidicon of its medium-angle camera failed
on last December lst, As of June 5th, the sixth TIROS has sent

more than 48,348 useable earth cloud cover pictures out of

54,368 taken, an 88 percent useability ratio. Plans are under-

way to use TIROS VI to obtai.i pictures of the moon's shadow

during the solar eclipse of July 20. The satellite is also

expected to be of value in forecasting cloud cover over portions

of the path of the eclipse to aid astronomers and other observers.

-more-
 -13-

THE TIROS TEAM

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is

responsible for the TIROS project. Development of hardware

and operation phases of the project are directed by NASA's

Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. Goddard is also

responsible for preparing the command programming information

which is relayed to the satellite by the ground stations.

The programming information is based on data from the Goddard

Tracking and Data System Division and recommendations made

by the National Weather Satellite Center.

Meteorological analysis and interpretation of the TIROS

TV pictures is accomplished by the "', S. Weather Bureau's

National Weather Satellite Center, in cooperation with the

U. S. Nava Photographic Interpretation Center, the Air Force

Cambridge Research Laboratorles, the Air Force and Navy

Weather Services, and a number of university research groups.

On April 29, this year, members of the Goddard TIROS

team received the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's

Group Achievement Award for 'outstanding competence demonstrated

in developing and successfully operating the first meteorological

satellite system.

Design and construction of the TIROS spacecraft was

accomplished by the Radio Corporation of America's Astro-

Electronics Division, Princeton, N. J., under the technical

direction of the Goddard Space Flight Center. RCA is also

responsible for operation of the special equipment used at the

TIROS ground stations.

- more -
 -14-

Prime contractor for the Delta booster rocket is the

Douglas Aircraft Co., Santa Monica, Calif., which also is
responsible for pre-launch and launch operations. Logistic

support is provided by the Air Force Missile Test Center

which operates the Atlantic Missile Range.
Key officials responsible for the TIROS project include:
NASA Headquarters
Morton J. Stoller, Director, Office of Applicatior.8
Dr. Morris Tepper, Director of Meteorological Systems.
T. B. Norris, Delta Program Manager.
Goddard Space Flight Center
William G. Stroud, Chief, Aeronomy and Meteorology Division.
Herbert I. Butler, Associate Chief for Projects, Aeronomy
and Meteorology Division.

Robert M. Rados, TIROS Project Manager.

William R. Schindler, Delta Project Manager.
Robert M. Gray, Chief, Field Projects Branch, Cape Canaveral, Fla.
U. S. Weather Bureau
Dr. S. Fred Singer, Director, National Weather Satellite Center.
David S. Johnson, Deputy D.rector, National Weather Satellite
Center

Radio Corporation of America

Abraham Schnapf, TIROS Program Manager, Astro-Electronics
Division

Douglas Aircraft Co., Inc.

J. Klein, Chief Project Engineer

G. F. Hansen, Head of AMR Field Station

-more-
 -15-

University of Wisconsin
Dr. Verner E. Suomi, Omnidirectional Infra-Red Experiment.

THE DELTA LAUNCH VEHICLE

The 90-foot, 57-ton, three-stage Delta booster rocket,
developed by NASA, will be used to launch the TIROS. Considered
the nation's most reliable space booster, Delta will be reaching
for its 18th consecutive successful satellite launch. It will
be the rocket's 19th flight.
The Delta first stage is the Douglas Aircraft Company's
DM-21 Thor, a 57-foot, liquid-fuel rocket developed for the
U. S. Air Force. The AM-21 generates about 170,000 pounds of
thrust during its burning time of two minutes and 25 seconds.
The liquid-fuel second stage, produced by AeroJet General
Corp., has a 7,500 pound-thrust engine which burns about 160
seconds. The guidance system for the second stage is the Bell
Telephone Laboratories Series "600" system. The TIROS mission
calls for Delta to coast for about six minutes following second
stage burnout.
The rocket's third stage is an NPP-X-24i8 solid-fuel,
3,000-pound thrust engine, which burns about 40 seconds.
It is produced by the Naval Propellant Plant.

-more-
 -16-

The Delta flight sequence is as follows: After burnout,

the spent first stage falls away. The second stage ignites
immediately. Thirty seconds after second stage ignition, the
nose fairing covering to: third stage and the payload is
jettisoned. After burnout, the vehicle begins its six-minute
coast period. Then the third stage is spin stabilized, the
empty second stage falls away, and third stage ignition occurs.
At this point the rocket achieves orbital velocity of about
17,000 miles an hour, third stage separation takes place, and
the payload is pushed into its orbit.
Delta program management is by the Office of Space Sciences,
NASA Headquarters.
Project management of the Delta program is charged to the
Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

-end -
 NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

TIROS METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITE PERFORMANCE

LANCH USEFUL USEFUL TOTAL SPECIAL

TIROS DATE TV LIFE IR LIFE PICTURES ACHIEVEMENTS

I Apr. 1, 1960 77 days 22,952 Proved feasibility of

meteorologic satellites

II Nov.23,1960 76 days 141 days 36,156 Successful infra-red

experiments, ice re-
connaissance for first
time.

III Jul.12,1961 145 days 81 days 35,033 Tropical storms observed

for first time.

IV Feb. 8,1962 120 days 146 days 32,593 Ice reconnaissance

V Jun.19,1962 330 days 58,226 Tropical Storm Coverage

VI Sep.19,1962 Still operating 54,368 * Tropical Storm Coverage

Project Management: Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

Satellite Production: RCA Astro-Electronics Division, Princeton, N.J.
Delta Booster Vehicle: Douglas Aircraft Company, Santa Monica, Calif.

* As of June 5, 1963