Key statistics
Satellite ESSA 1 (OT-3) at a glance.
Uptime
21702
Days in orbit
Revolutions
≈ 14.5
Per day
Orbit
SSO
Sun Synchronous Orbit
Inclination
97.9
Latest
Satellite identification and parameters
Extended collection of information and parameters for ESSA 1 (OT-3).
Object identification
Identified? True
Debris? False
Object name: ESSA 1 (OT-3)
International designator: 1966-008A
Object number (NORAD): 1982
Object ID (CCSDS): 1982
Country: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (US)
Current information (Y/N): Y
RCS size: MEDIUM
Orbital parameters
Period: 99.438 minutes
Inclination: 97.8602 deg
SMA: 7109.865 km
Apoapsis: 789.615 km
Periapsis: 673.845 km
RAAN: 237.571 deg
Eccentricy: 0.0081415
Argument of periapsis: 98.0915 deg
Mean anomaly: 262.9526 deg
Mean motion: 14.4814074 rev/day
Mean motion (dot): 0.00000171 rev/day2
B* drag term: 0.000054897 1/REarth
Two-line elements (TLE)
Creation date: July 4, 2025, 6:39 p.m.
Reference frame: TEME
Reference center: EARTH
Epoch: July 4, 2025, 2:33 p.m. UTC
TLE line 0: 0 ESSA 1 (OT-3)
TLE line 1: 1 01982U 66008A 25185.60692200 .00000171 00000-0 54897-4 0 9992
TLE line 2: 2 01982 97.8602 237.5710 0081415 98.0915 262.9526 14.48140740107632
Live tracking on map
Real-time ground track for satellite ESSA 1 (OT-3).
In-orbit conjunctions
A list of the most updated potential collisions computed for object ESSA 1 (OT-3).
Associated space launch
The ESSA series was the second generation of US meterological satellites after the TIROS (Television & Infra-Red Observation Satellite) series. They were also called OT (Operational TIROS), TOS (TIROS Operational Satellite).
ESSA 1 (OT-3) was lifted into orbit during the mission ‘Thor Delta C | ESSA 1’, on board a Thor Delta C space rocket.
The launch took place on Feb. 3, 1966, 7:41 a.m. from Space Launch Complex 17A.
For more information about the launch, click the button.
Thor Delta C | ESSA 1
Agency: N/A
Status: Launch Successful
Launch date: Feb. 3, 1966, 7:41 a.m. UTC
Rocket: Thor Delta C
Launch pad: Space Launch Complex 17A
Location: Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
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