weather satellites Spacecraft that are used to monitor Earth’s atmospheric conditions and provide data to help understand and predict global weather patterns. The first was TIROS-1 in 1960. Over the past four decades, the United States, Russia, and other nations have launched weather satellites into both polar and geostationary orbits. See NOAA, Meteor, SMS, GMS, Meteosat, GARP (Global Atmospheric Research Program), Eumetsat, and GOMS. Related category TYPES OF SPACECRAFT Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |