# Nimbus 3

> U.S. meteorological satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16320285](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16320285)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nimbus_3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nimbus-3

## Summary
Nimbus 3 was a U.S. meteorological satellite launched on April 14, 1969, as part of NASA's Nimbus program to advance weather observation and climate monitoring capabilities. It served as both a weather satellite and a technology demonstration platform, carrying experimental instruments to test new Earth observation techniques.

## Key Facts
- Launched on April 14, 1969, at 07:54:03 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 East
- Weighed 576 kilograms at launch
- Operated by both NASA and NOAA
- Powered by solar arrays (2 units) and a radioisotope thermoelectric generator
- Manufactured by RCA Corporation
- Launched aboard a Thorad-Agena D rocket (mission 543/6222)
- Re-entered Earth's atmosphere on January 22, 1972
- Also known as Nimbus B2
- Part of the Nimbus program, a second-generation U.S. robotic spacecraft series

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Nimbus 3?
A: Nimbus 3 was designed to advance meteorological observation capabilities and test experimental Earth observation technologies. It served as both a weather satellite for climate monitoring and a technology demonstration platform for new sensing instruments.

### Q: How long did Nimbus 3 operate in space?
A: Nimbus 3 operated in orbit for approximately 2 years and 9 months, from its launch on April 14, 1969, until its atmospheric re-entry on January 22, 1972.

### Q: Who operated Nimbus 3?
A: Nimbus 3 was operated jointly by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

## Why It Matters
Nimbus 3 represented a significant advancement in Earth observation technology during the late 1960s, bridging the gap between experimental meteorological satellites and operational weather monitoring systems. As part of NASA's Nimbus program, it helped establish the foundation for modern weather satellites by testing new instruments and observation techniques that would later become standard in operational meteorological satellites. The satellite's dual role as both a weather observation platform and technology demonstrator allowed NASA and NOAA to evaluate new sensing capabilities while simultaneously providing valuable meteorological data. Its contributions to atmospheric science and climate monitoring helped pave the way for the sophisticated Earth observation systems we rely on today for weather forecasting, climate research, and environmental monitoring.

## Notable For
- First Nimbus satellite to successfully reach orbit after the failure of Nimbus B
- Tested experimental atmospheric sounding instruments that improved temperature and humidity profiling
- Demonstrated the viability of combining operational weather monitoring with technology demonstration missions
- Helped establish the polar orbit pattern that became standard for meteorological satellites
- Provided crucial data that bridged the gap between experimental and operational weather satellite systems

## Body
### Launch and Mission Profile
Nimbus 3 launched successfully on April 14, 1969, at 07:54:03 UTC from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The Thorad-Agena D rocket (mission 543/6222) carried the 576-kilogram satellite into a polar orbit, allowing it to observe the entire Earth as it rotated beneath the spacecraft.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite featured a sophisticated power system combining solar arrays (two units) with a radioisotope thermoelectric generator for continuous power supply. This hybrid approach ensured reliable operation regardless of the satellite's position relative to the sun. The spacecraft was manufactured by RCA Corporation under contract to NASA.

### Operational Role
As both a weather satellite and technology demonstration platform, Nimbus 3 carried multiple instruments designed to test new Earth observation techniques while simultaneously collecting meteorological data. The satellite operated under the joint management of NASA and NOAA, representing an early example of collaboration between space exploration and weather service agencies.

### Mission Duration and End
Nimbus 3 completed its mission on January 22, 1972, when it re-entered Earth's atmosphere after approximately 2 years and 9 months of operation. During its operational lifetime, the satellite provided valuable data for atmospheric research and helped validate technologies that would be used in subsequent meteorological satellite missions.

### Program Context
As the third satellite in the Nimbus program, Nimbus 3 followed the failed Nimbus B mission and preceded Nimbus 4. The program represented NASA's second generation of robotic Earth observation spacecraft, focusing on improving weather forecasting capabilities and advancing atmospheric science research.

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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/nimbus-3.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/earth/nimbus.html)