The Nimbus program was first launched in 1964 to monitor atmospheric conditions throughout both the day and night. Equipped with microwave and infrared radiometers, a Coastal Zone Color Scanner, and ozone mappers, the satellites provided data regarding the Earth's ice and sea coverage, radiation levels, temperatures, and atmospheric makeup.
The Nimbus series started with Nimbus 1, followed by Nimbus B and Nimbus models 4-7, all of which were weather satellites with varying objectives. Among the purposes of each model were the jobs of characterizing the atmosphere's physical elements, reading Earth's heat levels, and monitoring oceans, ozone, water vapor, and pollution levels, plus aiding in weather analysis and international oceanographic data collection programs. Nimbus satellites set the standard for modern weather and atmospheric data collection techniques and technology.