Nimbus 5

{{Infobox spaceflight

| name = Nimbus 5

| image = Nimbus, Meteorological Satellite - GPN-2003-00030.jpg

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| mission_type = Weather satellite

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| manufacturer = RCA Astrospace

| launch_mass = {{convert|770.0|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

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| dimensions = {{convert|3.7|m}} tall x {{convert|1.5|m}} dia.

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| launch_date = {{start date text|December 11, 1972 07:56:00|timezone=yes}} UTC{{cite web|url=https://planet4589.org/space/gcat/data/derived/launchlog.html |title=GCAT orbital launch log |first=Jonathan C. |last=McDowell |author-link=Jonathan McDowell |work=Jonathan's Space Page |access-date=November 7, 2023}}

| launch_rocket = Delta-900 577/D93

| launch_site = Vandenberg SLC-2W

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| last_contact = {{end date text|March 29, 1983}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wmo-sat.info/oscar/satellites/view/319|title=Satellite: Nimbus-5|work=OSCAR - Observing Systems Capability Analysis and Review Tool|publisher=World Meteorological Organization|date=July 28, 2015|access-date=June 17, 2018}}

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| orbit_reference = Geocentric

| orbit_regime = Low Earth

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| orbit_eccentricity = 0.0008

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| orbit_periapsis = {{convert|1,089|km|mi|sp=us}}

| orbit_apoapsis = {{convert|1,101|km|mi|sp=us}}

| orbit_inclination = 99°

| orbit_period = 107.2 minutes

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| apsis = gee

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| programme = Nimbus program

| previous_mission = Nimbus 4

| next_mission = Nimbus 6

}}

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.{{cite web |title=Nimbus 5 |url=https://eospso.nasa.gov/missions/nimbus-5 |website=Earth observing system |publisher=NASA |access-date=June 15, 2018 |date=October 22, 2012}}

Launch

Nimbus 5 was launched on December 11, 1972, by a Delta rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The satellite orbited the Earth once every 107 minutes, at an inclination of 99°. Its perigee was {{convert|1,089|km|mi|sp=us}} and its apogee was {{convert|1,101|km|mi|sp=us}}.

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 {{val|32|u=km}}.{{cite web |title=Infrared Temperature Profile Radiometer |url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/experiment/display.action?id=1972-097A-01 |publisher=NASA |access-date=June 15, 2018 |date=March 21, 2017}}

=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 {{val|25|u=km}}.{{cite web |title=Selective Chopper Radiometer (SCR) |url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/experiment/display.action?id=1972-097A-02 |website=NSSDC |publisher=NASA |access-date=June 15, 2018 |date=March 21, 2017}}

=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.{{cite web |title=Microwave Spectrometer (NEMS) |url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/experiment/display.action?id=1972-097A-03 |website=NSSDC |publisher=NASA |date=March 21, 2017}}

=Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer (ESMR)=

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.{{cite web |title=Electrically Scanning Microwave Radiometer (ESMR) |url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/experiment/display.action?id=1972-097A-04 |website=NSSDC |publisher=NASA |access-date=June 15, 2018}}

=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 {{val|800|u=km}} wide. SCMR malfunctioned soon after launch.{{cite web |title=Surface Composition Mapping Radiometer |url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/experiment/display.action?id=1972-097A-05 |website=NSSDC |publisher=NASA |access-date=June 15, 2018}}

=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.{{cite web |title=Temperature/Humidity Infrared Radiometer |url=https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/experiment/display.action?id=1972-097A-08 |website=NSSDC |publisher=NASA |access-date=June 15, 2018}}

References

Category:Weather satellites of the United States

Category:1972 in spaceflight