SMS (Synchronous Meteorological Satellite)

SMS-2 atop its Delta launch vehicle

Weather satellites in geostationary orbit, managed by NASA for NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). SMS-1 and -2 were development satellites leading up to the GOES (Geostationary Operational Environment Satellite) program; in fact, SMS 3 became operational as GOES-1.

All the launches took place from Cape Canaveral using Delta 2914 rockets.

spacecraft	launch date	orbit	mass (kg)
SMS 1	May 17, 1974	36,216 × 36,303 km × 15.5°	243
SMS 2	Feb. 6, 1975	35,941 × 36,060 × 12.0°	627
SMS 3 (GOES-1)	Oct.16, 1975	GSO at 135° W	627

Related category

• SATELLITES AND SPACE PROBES

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Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History

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