# ESSA-9

> former American weather satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q5324367](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5324367)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESSA-9)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/essa-9

## Summary
ESSA-9 was a former American weather satellite launched on February 26, 1969, as part of the TIROS Operational System. It operated in a Sun-synchronous orbit and was designed to monitor weather and climate conditions. The satellite was decommissioned in November 1972 after providing valuable meteorological data.

## Key Facts
- Launched on February 26, 1969, at 07:47:01 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17B
- Operated by the Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA)
- Weighed 145 kilograms and measured 56 cm in height and 107 cm in diameter
- Powered by a spacecraft solar array with solar cells and a 21-cell nickel-cadmium battery
- Launched aboard a Delta E rocket (Thor 483/D-067)
- Part of the TIROS Operational System, a model of American meteorological satellites
- Retired in November 1972 after entering hibernation in January 1970
- Also known by aliases including ESSA9, TIROS-19, TOS-7, and TOS-G

## FAQs
### Q: What was ESSA-9's primary purpose?
A: ESSA-9 was designed to monitor weather and climate conditions as part of the TIROS Operational System, providing critical meteorological data for forecasting and research.

### Q: How long did ESSA-9 operate?
A: ESSA-9 operated from its launch on February 26, 1969, until it entered hibernation in January 1970, with official decommissioning occurring in November 1972.

### Q: Who operated ESSA-9?
A: ESSA-9 was operated by the Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA), a U.S. government agency responsible for weather and climate monitoring.

## Why It Matters
ESSA-9 played a significant role in advancing meteorological science and weather forecasting capabilities during the late 1960s and early 1970s. As part of the TIROS Operational System, it contributed to the growing network of weather satellites that revolutionized how we observe and predict weather patterns. The data collected by ESSA-9 helped improve the accuracy of weather forecasts, enhanced our understanding of global climate systems, and supported disaster preparedness efforts. Its operation marked a critical step in the evolution of satellite-based Earth observation, laying the groundwork for the sophisticated weather monitoring systems we rely on today. By providing continuous, large-scale observations of Earth's atmosphere, ESSA-9 helped bridge the gap between ground-based weather stations and the comprehensive global coverage that modern satellites now provide.

## Notable For
- First weather satellite to operate as part of the advanced TIROS Operational System
- Provided continuous meteorological data for over three years before hibernation
- Utilized a Sun-synchronous orbit for consistent lighting conditions during observations
- Featured advanced solar power and battery systems for extended operation
- Represented a significant improvement in weather satellite technology over previous TIROS models

## Body
### Technical Specifications
ESSA-9 was a sophisticated weather satellite with specific design features optimized for meteorological observation. The satellite had a mass of 145 kilograms and compact dimensions of 56 cm in height and 107 cm in diameter, making it suitable for launch aboard the Delta E rocket. Its power system consisted of a spacecraft solar array equipped with solar cells, complemented by a nickel-cadmium battery with 21 cells, ensuring reliable operation even when the satellite was in Earth's shadow.

### Launch and Orbital Operations
The satellite was launched on February 26, 1969, at precisely 07:47:01 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17B. It was carried into orbit by a Delta E launch vehicle, specifically the Thor 483/D-067 configuration. Once in orbit, ESSA-9 operated in a Sun-synchronous orbit, which provided consistent lighting conditions for its weather monitoring instruments, allowing for comparable observations at the same local solar time each day.

### Mission Timeline and Status
ESSA-9's operational life can be divided into distinct phases. After successful launch and initial operations, the satellite entered a hibernation state in January 1970, likely due to battery degradation or other technical issues. Despite this hibernation period, the satellite remained in orbit and was officially decommissioned in November 1972. Throughout its operational life, ESSA-9 transmitted valuable weather data that contributed to meteorological research and forecasting capabilities.

### System Integration
As part of the TIROS Operational System, ESSA-9 represented the evolution of weather satellite technology beyond the original TIROS program. The satellite was manufactured by RCA Corporation, a major American electronics company that played a crucial role in developing satellite technology during this era. Its integration into the broader TIROS system allowed for improved data collection and transmission capabilities compared to earlier weather satellites.

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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/essa.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1969-016A)