# TIROS-4

> former American weather satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q9353719](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9353719)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TIROS-4)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tiros-4

## Summary
TIROS-4 was a former American weather satellite launched in 1962 as part of the Television Infrared Observation Satellite series, designed to monitor weather and climate from space.

## Key Facts
- Launched on February 8, 1962 from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A aboard a Thor-Delta rocket
- Mass: 129.3 kilograms
- Dimensions: 107 cm in diameter and 56 cm in height
- Part of the Television Infrared Observation Satellite series of American weather satellites
- Followed TIROS-3 and was followed by TIROS-5
- Operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and later the Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA)
- Manufactured by RCA Corporation
- COSPAR ID: 1962-002A
- Aliases: TIROS-D and A-9
- Harvard designation: 1962 Beta 1

## FAQs
### Q: When was TIROS-4 launched?
A: TIROS-4 was launched on February 8, 1962 from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A.

### Q: What was its purpose?
A: TIROS-4 was designed to monitor weather and climate as part of the American weather satellite program.

### Q: What was its mass?
A: The satellite had a mass of 129.3 kilograms.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle?
A: TIROS-4 was launched using a Thor-Delta expendable launch system.

## Why It Matters
TIROS-4 represented an important milestone in the development of weather monitoring from space. As part of the Television Infrared Observation Satellite series, it contributed to the early understanding of weather patterns and climate from orbital perspectives. The satellite's operational data helped improve weather forecasting capabilities and laid the foundation for modern meteorological satellite systems. Its experience with technical breakdowns (camera, tape recorder, and radiometer failures) provided valuable lessons for subsequent satellite design and operational protocols, influencing the development of more reliable weather monitoring systems.

## Notable For
- Fourth satellite in the TIROS series of American weather satellites
- Experienced multiple technical breakdowns during its mission, including camera failure on May 3, 1962, tape recorder failure on June 10, 1962, and radiometer failure on June 30, 1962
- Used solar arrays powered by solar cells for electrical power
- Operated under both NASA and later the Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA)

## Body
### Technical Specifications
TIROS-4 had a mass of 129.3 kilograms and measured 107 centimeters in diameter with a height of 56 centimeters. It was manufactured by RCA Corporation and operated by both NASA and later the Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA).

### Launch and Orbit
The satellite was launched on February 8, 1962 at 12:43:45 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A using a Thor-Delta launch vehicle. Its COSPAR ID was 1962-002A and its NSSDCA ID was also 1962-002A.

### Operational History
TIROS-4 was the fourth satellite in the Television Infrared Observation Satellite series, following TIROS-3 and preceding TIROS-5. It was designed to provide weather monitoring capabilities from space, contributing to the early development of meteorological satellite technology.

### Technical Issues
During its mission, TIROS-4 experienced several technical breakdowns:
- Camera failure on May 3, 1962
- Tape recorder failure on June 10, 1962
- Radiometer failure on June 30, 1962

These issues demonstrated both the challenges and potential solutions for early satellite systems, influencing the design of subsequent weather satellites.

### Power and Communication
The satellite was powered by a spacecraft solar array with solar cells, providing electrical power for its operations. It was part of the broader TIROS program, which aimed to establish the feasibility of weather monitoring from space.

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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "TIROS-4",
  "description": "Former American weather satellite launched in 1962 as part of the Television Infrared Observation Satellite series",
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## References

1. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1962-002A)
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/tiros.htm)
3. Jonathan's Space Report