The Nimbus satellites were second-generation meteorological research and development (R&D) spacecraft designed to serve as stablized, Earth-oriented platforms for the testing of advanced systems to sense and collect atmospheric science data. Seven Nimbus spacecraft have been launched into near-polar, Sun-synchronous orbits beginning with Nimbus 1 on August 28, 1964. On board the Nimbus satellites are various instrumentation for imaging, sounding, and other studies in different spectral regions.
Operation History of the Nimbus Satellites
Satellite | Launch Date | Decay Date |
---|---|---|
Nimbus 1 | August 28 1964 | May 16 1974 |
Nimbus 2 | May 15 1966 | January 17 1969 |
Nimbus 3 | April 14 1969 | January 22 1972 |
Nimbus 4 | April 8 1970 | November 30 1980 |
Nimbus 5 | December 11 1972 | |
Nimbus 6 | June 12 1975 | |
Nimbus 7 | October 24 1978 |