Key statistics
Satellite ESSA 8 (TOS-F) at a glance.
Uptime
20722
Days in orbit
Revolutions
≈ 12.6
Per day
Orbit
SSO
Sun Synchronous Orbit
Inclination
101.7
Latest
Satellite identification and parameters
Extended collection of information and parameters for ESSA 8 (TOS-F).
Object identification
Identified? True
Debris? False
Object name: ESSA 8 (TOS-F)
International designator: 1968-114A
Object number (NORAD): 3615
Object ID (CCSDS): 3615
Country: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (US)
Current information (Y/N): Y
RCS size: MEDIUM
Orbital parameters
Period: 114.627 minutes
Inclination: 101.6555 deg
SMA: 7816.624 km
Apoapsis: 1463.485 km
Periapsis: 1413.492 km
RAAN: 198.8568 deg
Eccentricy: 0.00319785
Argument of periapsis: 149.5481 deg
Mean anomaly: 210.7458 deg
Mean motion: 12.56243861 rev/day
Mean motion (dot): -0.00000044 rev/day2
B* drag term: 0.000003804229 1/REarth
Two-line elements (TLE)
Creation date: Sept. 8, 2025, 6:18 p.m.
Reference frame: TEME
Reference center: EARTH
Epoch: Sept. 8, 2025, 11:11 a.m. UTC
TLE line 0: 0 ESSA 8 (TOS-F)
TLE line 1: 1 03615U 68114A 25251.46665303 -.00000044 00000-0 38042-5 0 9994
TLE line 2: 2 03615 101.6555 198.8568 0031979 149.5481 210.7458 12.56243861601187
Live tracking on map
Real-time ground track for satellite ESSA 8 (TOS-F).
In-orbit conjunctions
There are no conjunctions computed for ESSA 8 (TOS-F), at the moment. Check back to stay up to date, as we update our databases every day.
Go to all conjunctionsAssociated 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 8 (TOS-F) was lifted into orbit during the mission ‘Thor Delta N | ESSA 8’, on board a Thor Delta N space rocket.
The launch took place on Dec. 15, 1968, 5:21 p.m. from Space Launch Complex 2E.
For more information about the launch, click the button.
Thor Delta N | ESSA 8
Agency: N/A
Status: Launch Successful
Launch date: Dec. 15, 1968, 5:21 p.m. UTC
Rocket: Thor Delta N
Launch pad: Space Launch Complex 2E
Location: Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
...
Latest news about this satellite
There are no fresh news available about this satellite. Check back as we update our databases every day.
Newsletter sign-up
Weekly statistics, charts and insights to help you stay on top of the space industry.
