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// meteorology · 1968

ESSA-8

Former American weather satellite. ESSA-8 was launched on December 15, 1968 aboard a Thor Delta N from Vandenberg. Latest status in GCAT: in orbit.

COSPAR 1968-114ANORAD 3615United States

Identity

Name in GCAT
ESSA 8
Common name
ESSA-8
Payload designation
TOS F
International designator
1968-114A
NORAD catalog number
3615
GCAT identifier
S03615
UN registration
A/AC.105/INF.201

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
December 15, 1968 · 17:21 UTC
Launch record
1968-114Success
Spaceport
Vandenberg · pad SLC2E

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT)
LEO/S
Perigee
1,414 km
Apogee
1,465 km
Inclination
101.89°
Status
In orbit
Last known active
Mar 6, 1976
End of operations
Mar 6, 1976

Size

Mass
131 kg
Dry mass
131 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 Q5324365 (CC0).