# NOAA-6

> U.S. weather satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q28401183](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q28401183)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOAA-6)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/noaa-6

## Summary
NOAA-6 was a U.S. weather satellite operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to monitor global weather and climate patterns. Launched in 1979, it was part of the Television Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS) series and provided critical meteorological data until its retirement in 1987.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 27, 1979, at 15:51:59 UTC.
- **Operator**: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
- **Manufacturer**: RCA Corporation.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Atlas E/F (model 25F), contracted by Convair.
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit.
- **Retirement Date**: March 31, 1987.
- **Series**: Part of the TIROS-N subclass and the broader Television Infrared Observation Satellite program.
- **Identifiers**: COSPAR ID 1979-057A, NSSDCA ID 1979-057A.

## FAQs
### Q: When was NOAA-6 launched?
A: NOAA-6 was launched on June 27, 1979, at 15:51:59 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 West.

### Q: How long did NOAA-6 operate?
A: The satellite operated for nearly 8 years, from its 1979 launch until its retirement on March 31, 1987.

### Q: What was the primary purpose of NOAA-6?
A: Its main role was to collect meteorological data to support weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and environmental research.

## Why It Matters
NOAA-6 played a key role in advancing weather monitoring capabilities in the late 1970s and 1980s. As part of the TIROS-N series, it contributed to the development of modern satellite-based meteorology, providing high-resolution imagery and data critical for understanding weather patterns, tracking storms, and studying long-term climate trends. Its Sun-synchronous orbit allowed for consistent global coverage, ensuring reliable data for both short-term forecasting and long-term research. The satellite’s nearly 8-year operational lifespan underscored its reliability and the growing importance of space-based Earth observation systems in protecting life and property through timely weather warnings and environmental insights.

## Notable For
- **Part of the TIROS-N Series**: A advanced class of meteorological satellites known for improved imaging technology.
- **Sun-Synchronous Orbit**: Enabled consistent daily coverage of the Earth’s surface at the same local time.
- **Long Operational Lifespan**: Exceeded design expectations, operating for nearly 8 years.
- **Use of Atlas E/F Rocket**: Demonstrated the reliability of the Atlas launch vehicle for polar-orbiting satellite deployments.

## Body
### Launch Details
- **Date/Time**: June 27, 1979, at 15:51:59 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 3 West.
- **Rocket**: Atlas E/F (model 25F), built by Convair.

### Operational Mission
- **Primary Function**: Monitoring global weather, atmospheric conditions, and climate indicators.
- **Orbit Type**: Sun-synchronous, ensuring consistent lighting conditions for imagery.
- **Retirement**: Decommissioned on March 31, 1987, after nearly 8 years of service.

### Technical Specifications
- **Manufacturer**: RCA Corporation.
- **Series**: Part of the Television Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS) program and the TIROS-N subclass.
- **Identifiers**: 
  - COSPAR ID: 1979-057A.
  - NSSDCA ID: 1979-057A.
  - SCN: 11416.

### Legacy
- **Data Contribution**: Provided critical data for NOAA’s environmental monitoring initiatives.
- **Program Impact**: Helped establish the foundation for subsequent NOAA satellite systems, including the Advanced TIROS series.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "NOAA-6",
  "description": "U.S. weather satellite launched in 1979 as part of the TIROS-N series.",
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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](http://web.archive.org/web/20161118145528/https://poes.gsfc.nasa.gov/noaa-heritage.html)