NOAA-13


NOAA-13, also known as NOAA-I, was a U.S. weather satellite operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA-I continues the third-generation operational, polar orbiting, meteorological satellite series operated by the National Environmental Satellite Service of the NOAA. NOAA-13 continues the series of Advanced TIROS-N spacecraft begun with the launch of NOAA-8 in 1983.
NOAA-13 was launched on an Atlas E rocket on August 9, 1993 from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Just 12 days later on August 21, a short circuit occurred that prevented the solar array from charging the satellite's batteries. Later investigation determined the short-circuit was due to a screw that extended too far below an aluminum plate designed to dissipate heat, improperly making contact with a radiator plate that carried current, causing the short circuit.

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