# ESSA-3

> former American weather satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16325198](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16325198)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESSA-3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/essa-3

## Summary
ESSA-3 was a former American weather satellite, part of the TIROS Operational System, designed to monitor weather and climate. Launched on October 2, 1966, by a Delta E rocket, it operated in a Sun-synchronous orbit until its service retirement on December 2, 1968. It was manufactured by RCA Corporation and operated by the Environmental Science Services Administration.

## Key Facts
*   ESSA-3 was a former American weather satellite.
*   It was part of the TIROS Operational System.
*   Launched on October 2, 1966, at 10:39:03 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 East.
*   Its launch vehicle was a Delta E rocket.
*   Manufactured by RCA Corporation and operated by the Environmental Science Services Administration.
*   It had a mass of 145 kilograms, a height of 56 centimeters, and a diameter of 107 centimeters.
*   Powered by spacecraft solar arrays with solar cells and 21 nickel–cadmium batteries.
*   Its service was retired on December 2, 1968.
*   It followed ESSA-2 and was followed by ESSA-4 in the satellite series.

## FAQs
### Q: What was ESSA-3?
A: ESSA-3 was a former American weather satellite designed to monitor weather and climate. It was a component of the TIROS Operational System.

### Q: When was ESSA-3 launched?
A: ESSA-3 was launched on October 2, 1966, at 10:39:03 UTC. The launch originated from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 East.

### Q: Who manufactured and operated ESSA-3?
A: ESSA-3 was manufactured by RCA Corporation. It was operated by the Environmental Science Services Administration.

### Q: What were the physical dimensions of ESSA-3?
A: ESSA-3 had a mass of 145 kilograms. Its physical dimensions included a height of 56 centimeters and a diameter of 107 centimeters.

### Q: When was ESSA-3 retired from service?
A: ESSA-3 was retired from service on December 2, 1968, after experiencing breakdowns in its radiometer and cameras.

## Why It Matters
ESSA-3 was a significant component of the TIROS Operational System (TOS), representing a crucial step in the development of satellite-based weather monitoring. As an American weather satellite, it contributed to the continuous collection of meteorological data, which was vital for improving weather forecasting and understanding global climate patterns. Its deployment in a Sun-synchronous orbit allowed for consistent and regular observations of specific areas, enhancing the utility and reliability of the data for operational meteorology. The information gathered by ESSA-3, despite equipment breakdowns, supported the mission of the Environmental Science Services Administration in providing essential environmental intelligence. Its place in the ESSA series, following ESSA-2 and preceding ESSA-4, highlights its role in the ongoing evolution and expansion of early satellite technology for Earth observation.

## Notable For
*   Being a key operational weather satellite within the TIROS Operational System (TOS).
*   Its launch by a Delta E rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 East in 1966.
*   Operating in a Sun-synchronous orbit, providing consistent global weather observation.
*   Its role in the continuous series of ESSA weather satellites, following ESSA-2 and preceding ESSA-4.
*   Being manufactured by RCA Corporation for the Environmental Science Services Administration.

## Body
### Overview
ESSA-3 was a former American weather satellite, also known by aliases such as ESSA3, TIROS-13, TIROS-TOS1, TIROS TOS-1, TOS-1, and TOS-A. It was classified as a decommissioned weather satellite and was an integral part of the TIROS Operational System, originating from the United States. Its COSPAR ID and NSSDCA ID are both 1966-087A.

### Specifications and Design
The satellite had a mass of 145 kilograms. Its physical dimensions included a height of 56 centimeters and a diameter of 107 centimeters. ESSA-3 was manufactured by RCA Corporation. Power was supplied by spacecraft solar arrays, which incorporated solar cells, and it was also equipped with 21 nickel–cadmium batteries.

### Launch and Orbit
ESSA-3 was launched on October 2, 1966, at precisely 10:39:03 UTC. The launch vehicle utilized was a Delta E rocket, specifically identified as Thor 463/D-041. The launch site was Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 East. Following its launch, ESSA-3 was successfully placed into a Sun-synchronous orbit.

### Operations and Service
The Environmental Science Services Administration was responsible for the operation of ESSA-3. It succeeded ESSA-2 in the operational sequence of weather satellites and was, in turn, followed by ESSA-4. During its operational period, several significant events occurred:
*   **1966-10-02:** Rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 East.
*   **1967-01-20:** Breakdown of its radiometer.
*   **1967-09-29:** Breakdown of a camera.
*   **1968-10-09:** Breakdown of another camera.
*   **1968-12-02:** Service retirement.

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## References

1. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1966-087A)
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/essa.htm)
3. Jonathan's Space Report