Nimbus 5

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

Nimbus 5
Mission typeWeather satellite
COSPAR ID1972-097A
SATCAT no.06305
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 (1972-12-11UTC07:56Z) UTC
RocketDelta-900 577/D93
Launch siteVandenberg SLC-2W
End of mission
Last contact29 March 1983 (1983-03-30)[1]
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeLow Earth
Eccentricity0.0008
Perigee altitude1,089 kilometers (677 mi)
Apogee altitude1,101 kilometers (684 mi)
Inclination99°
Period107.2 minutes
 

The objective of Nimbus 5 was to test and evaluate advanced sensing technology, and to provide improved photographs of cloud formations.[2]

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 apogee was 1,101 kilometers (684 mi).

Instruments

There were 6 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.[3]

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. It's sensing resolution was about 25 km.[4]

Nimbus E Microwave Spectrometer (NEMS)

NEMS was to demonstrate the use of microwave sensors for measuring tropospheric temperature profiles, and 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.[5]

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.[6]

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.[7]

Temperature/Humidity Infrared Radiometer (THIR)

THIR was 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 bolometers made from germanium.[8]

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


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