NSSDCA ID: 1961-017A-03
Mission Name: TIROS 3The scanning radiometer of the TIROS 3 meteorological satellite measured the emitted and reflected radiation of the earth and its atmosphere. The five-channel radiometer scanned the earth and space as the satellite spun about its axis. The radiometer's bi-directional optical axes were inclined to the satellite spin axis at angles of 45 and 135 deg. The sensor used bolometer detectors and filters to limit the spectral response and to provide comprehensive data by measuring radiation intensities in selected portions of the spectrum. The spectral bandwidth of each channel (in microns) and its associated parameter were -- channel 1, 6.0 to 6.5 (water vapor absorption). channel 2, 8.0 to 12.0 (atmospheric window), channel 3, 0.2 to 6.0 (reflected solar radiation), channel 4, 8.0 to 30 (terrestrial radiation), and channel 5, 0.55 to 0.75 (reflected solar radiation). Response characteristics of all channels degraded rapidly after launch. The greatest uncertainty in the radiation measurements is due to the apparent shift in the zero radiation level. Data are usable for channels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 up to orbits 118, 875, 875, 130, and 300, respectively. Identical experiments, except for minor changes in the description of the scanning radiometer instrumentation is given in the 'Journal of the Optical Society of America,' vol. 51, 1386-1393, December 1961.
Mass: 2 kg
Power (avg): 1 W
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Mr. Joseph D. Barksdale | Other Investigator | NASA Goddard Space Flight Center | jbarksda@pop200.gsfc.nasa.gov |
Mr. R. M. Rados | Principal Investigator | NASA Goddard Space Flight Center |