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). January 22, 1965 at 07:52 UTC · Launch Failure Thor Delta C — United States Air Force, to Sun-Synchronous Orbit Space Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA The world's 398th orbital launch attempt, and 5th of 1965. Data: Launch Library 2, The Space Devs. Image by NASA (NASA Image and Media Guidelines) via The Space Devs.