# Nimbus 7

> U.S. meteorological satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q16320449](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16320449)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nimbus_7)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nimbus-7

## Summary
Nimbus 7 was a U.S. meteorological satellite and technology demonstration spacecraft launched on October 24, 1978. It was part of the Nimbus program, operating in a polar orbit to monitor weather and climate until its retirement in 1994. Weighing 832 kilograms at launch, it was manufactured by the RCA Corporation and jointly operated by NASA and NOAA.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** October 24, 1978, at 08:14:01 UTC.
- **Retirement Date:** August 1, 1994.
- **Classification:** U.S. meteorological satellite (weather satellite) and technology demonstration spacecraft.
- **Operator:** National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
- **Manufacturer:** RCA Corporation.
- **Launch Mass:** 832 kilograms.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Delta 2000 (specifically the 630/D145 configuration).
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West.
- **Orbit Type:** Polar orbit (artificial satellite of the Earth).
- **Program Affiliation:** Part of the Nimbus program; succeeded Nimbus 6.
- **Identifiers:** COSPAR ID 1978-098A; NSSDCA ID 1978-098A; Satellite Catalog Number 11080.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Nimbus 7 launched and how long was it operational?
A: Nimbus 7 was launched on October 24, 1978. It remained operational until its service retirement on August 1, 1994.

### Q: Who manufactured and operated the Nimbus 7 satellite?
A: The satellite was manufactured by the RCA Corporation. It was jointly operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

### Q: What type of satellite was Nimbus 7?
A: Nimbus 7 was a weather satellite designed to monitor weather and climate, as well as a technology demonstration spacecraft used to demonstrate experimental technologies. It was an artificial satellite placed in a polar orbit around Earth.

## Why It Matters
Nimbus 7 represents a significant chapter in the history of Earth observation as a second-generation U.S. robotic spacecraft. As a joint venture between NASA and NOAA, it bridged the gap between experimental technology development and operational meteorological monitoring. Its designation as both a weather satellite and a technology demonstration spacecraft indicates that it played a dual role: providing critical climate data while testing new orbital technologies that would influence future satellite design.

Launched aboard the Delta 2000 expendable launch system, the satellite contributed to the long legacy of the Nimbus program, which succeeded earlier models like Nimbus 6. Operating for nearly 16 years, the spacecraft demonstrated the durability of solar-powered array systems in polar orbit. Its long operational lifespan provided consistent data for meteorological agencies, reinforcing the United States' capabilities in remote sensing and weather forecasting during the late 20th century.

## Notable For
- **Dual Classification:** Distinguished as both a weather satellite and a technology demonstration spacecraft.
- **Joint Operation:** Operated jointly by two major U.S. agencies, NASA and NOAA.
- **Longevity:** Operational for nearly 16 years (1978–1994).
- **Program Succession:** Served as the successor to Nimbus 6 within the Nimbus program.
- **Launch Configuration:** Launched specifically on a Delta 2000 (630/D145) rocket from Vandenberg.

## Body

### Mission Overview
Nimbus 7 was an artificial satellite of the Earth designed to function as a weather satellite and a technology demonstration platform. It was a product of the Nimbus program, identified as a second-generation U.S. robotic spacecraft initiative. The satellite was launched from the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 2 West. It followed the mission of Nimbus 6 and continued the program's objectives of monitoring global weather and climate from a polar orbit.

### Technical Specifications
The spacecraft was constructed by the RCA Corporation. At the time of launch, Nimbus 7 had a total mass of 832 kilograms (launch weight). The satellite's power systems relied on a spacecraft solar array equipped with two components. The satellite was assigned the COSPAR ID 1978-098A and the Satellite Catalog Number 11080.

### Launch and Retirement
Nimbus 7 was successfully launched on October 24, 1978, at 08:14:01 UTC. The launch vehicle used was a Delta 2000, specifically the 630/D145 variant. After a service life spanning over fifteen years, the satellite was officially retired from service on August 1, 1994.

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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/nimbus-7.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://space.oscar.wmo.int/satellites/view/nimbus_7)