Nimbus 5
Mission typeWeather satellite
COSPAR ID1972-097A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.06305Edit this on Wikidata
Spacecraft properties
ManufacturerRCA Astrospace
Launch mass770.0 kg (1,697.6 lb)
Dimensions3.7 metres (12 ft) tall x 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in) dia.
Start of mission
Launch dateDecember 11, 1972 07:56:00 (1972-12-11UTC07:56Z) UTC[1]
RocketDelta-900 577/D93
Launch siteVandenberg SLC-2W
End of mission
Last contactMarch 29, 1983 (1983-03-30)[2]
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeLow Earth
Eccentricity0.0008
Perigee altitude1,089 kilometers (677 mi)
Apogee altitude1,101 kilometers (684 mi)
Inclination99°
Period107.2 minutes
 

Nimbus 5 (also called Nimbus E or Nimbus V) was a meteorological satellite for the research and development of sensing technology. It was the fifth successful launch in a series of the Nimbus program.

The objective of Nimbus 5 was to test and evaluate advanced sensing technology, and to provide improved photographs of cloud formations.[3]

Launch

Nimbus 5 was launched on December 11, 1972, by a Delta rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, USA. The satellite orbited the Earth once every 107 minutes, at an inclination of 99°. Its perigee was 1,089 kilometers (677 mi) and its apogee was 1,101 kilometers (684 mi).

Instruments

There were six science instruments aboard Nimbus 5. The satellite also included Sun sensors, and horizon scanners for navigation.

Infrared Temperature Profile Radiometer (ITPR)

The ITPR was designed to obtain vertical profiles of temperature and moisture in the atmosphere. A 3-dimensional map could then be created with a resolution of 32 km.[4]

Selective Chopper Radiometer (SCR)

The SCR had three objectives: to observe the global atmospheric temperature structure, to observe the distribution of water vapor, and to measure the density of ice crystals in cirrus clouds. Its sensing resolution was about 25 km.[5]

Nimbus E Microwave Spectrometer (NEMS)

NEMS was used to demonstrate the use of microwave sensors for measuring tropospheric temperature profiles, water content in clouds, and surface temperature. The instrument monitored five selected frequencies continuously. The data were recorded on a magnetic tape so they could be transmitted later.[6]

Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer (ESMR)

Main article: Electrically scanning microwave radiometer

ESMR was used for mapping the microwave radiation from Earth's surface. This information was used to measure the water content of clouds, and to observe sea ice. It was also used to test the use of microwaves to measure soil moisture. The antenna system was deployed after launch, and controlled by an onboard computer.[7]

Surface Composition Mapping Radiometer (SCMR)

For measuring the thermal emission characteristics of Earth's surface and sea temperatures. A scanning mirror rotated ten times per second to sense sections 800 km wide. SCMR malfunctioned soon after launch.[8]

Temperature/Humidity Infrared Radiometer (THIR)

THIR was used for measuring cloud top temperatures and water vapor content in the stratosphere. It could measure cloud temperatures in the day and at night. The sensing unit was a bolometer made from germanium.[9]

References

  1. ^ McDowell, Jonathan C. "GCAT orbital launch log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  2. ^ "Satellite: Nimbus-5". OSCAR - Observing Systems Capability Analysis and Review Tool. World Meteorological Organization. July 28, 2015. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
  3. ^ "Nimbus 5". Earth observing system. NASA. October 22, 2012. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
  4. ^ "Infrared Temperature Profile Radiometer". NASA. March 21, 2017. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
  5. ^ "Selective Chopper Radiometer (SCR)". NSSDC. NASA. March 21, 2017. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
  6. ^ "Microwave Spectrometer (NEMS)". NSSDC. NASA. March 21, 2017.
  7. ^ "Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer (ESMR)". NSSDC. NASA. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
  8. ^ "Surface Composition Mapping Radiometer". NSSDC. NASA. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
  9. ^ "Temperature/Humidity Infrared Radiometer". NSSDC. NASA. Retrieved June 15, 2018.


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