Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This artifact is an Improved Tiros Operational Satellite (ITOS) flight spare. Initiated in 1970, six ITOS were deployed to provide, for the first time, day-to-day, routine weather observation and forecasting. The ITOS succeeded the TIROS series of satellites, which began providing data on the earth's weather in 1960. NASA oversaw production of the satellites; once in orbit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) handled their operation and distributed weather data.

ITOS flew in a polar, sun synchronous orbit and, in a crucial improvement from the TIROS series, was stabilized to always point its cameras and other sensors at the Earth. The satellite carried Automatic Picture Transmission cameras to provide instant weather data to ground stations around the world; Advanced Vidicon Camera Subsystems for detailed observations; and scanning radiometers for imaging the earth at night.

This artifact was transferred in 1980 from the International Communications Agency to NASM.

 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 Manufacturer RCA Astro Electronics
 Dimensions Overall (folded): 65 in. tall x 52 in. wide x 42 in. deep (165.1 x 132.1 x 106.7cm)
 Materials Aluminum, plastics, glass, mylar
 Inventory Number A19800408000 Credit Line Transferred from International Communications Agency Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.