2026-244Latest orbital launch: Falcon 9 · Starlink Group 15-16 · Oct 27, 2026 · VandenbergLaunch record →
sci-techmaventhe history of spaceflight, in data
sci-techmaven
Launch logAdvertise
  1. Home
  2. Spacecraft
  3. ESSA-4
// meteorology · 1967

ESSA-4

Former American weather satellite. ESSA-4 was launched on January 26, 1967 aboard a Thor Delta E from Vandenberg. Latest status in GCAT: in orbit.

COSPAR 1967-006ANORAD 2657United States

Identity

Name in GCAT
ESSA 4
Common name
ESSA-4
Payload designation
TOS B
International designator
1967-006A
NORAD catalog number
2657
GCAT identifier
S02657
UN registration
A/AC.105/INF.159

Mission

Mission type
Meteorology
Use
Civil government
Program
TOS
Owner
ESSA
Country
United States
Builder
RCA Astro Electronics (Astro Space)
Platform (bus)
Tiros I

Launch

Date
January 26, 1967 · 17:31 UTC
Launch record
1967-006Success
Spaceport
Vandenberg · pad SLC2E

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT)
LEO/S
Perigee
1,326 km
Apogee
1,441 km
Inclination
102.00°
Status
In orbit
Last known active
May 5, 1968
End of operations
May 5, 1968

Size

Mass
132 kg
Dry mass
132 kg
Length
0.6 m
Diameter
1.10 m
Span
1.1 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q16325199 (CC0).