ESSA-8

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Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox spaceflight ESSA-8 was a weather satellite launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on December 15, 1968, from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Its name was derived from that of its oversight agency, the Environmental Science Services Administration (ESSA).

ESSA-8 was an 18-sided polygon. It measured Script error: No such module "convert". in diameter by Script error: No such module "convert". in height, with a mass of Script error: No such module "convert".. It was made of aluminum alloy and stainless steel covered with 10,020 solar cells. The cells charged 63 nickel–cadmium batteries, which served as a power source. The satellite could take 8 to 10 pictures every 24 hours. Each photo covered a Script error: No such module "convert". area at a resolution of Script error: No such module "convert". per pixel.

File:Cyclone Tracy 25 December 1974 ESSA-8.png
A picture taken by the ESSA-8 satellite that shows Cyclone Tracy on December 25, 1974

ESSA-8's mission was to replace ESSA-6, and provide detailed cloud pattern photography to ground stations worldwide. Partners in the project included NASA, ESSA, RCA, the National Weather Service, and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NMC).

ESSA-8 operated for 2,644 days until it was deactivated on March 12, 1976.

References

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External links

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