Launch data:
| Designation | 01982 / 66008A |
| Launch date | 03 Feb 1966 - 07:41:23 UT |
| Launch site | CC, LC17A |
| Launch vehicle | Delta-C (#445/D36) |
| Mission | Meteorology |
| Perigee/Apogee | 684/805 km |
| Inclination | 97.8° |
| Period | 99.7 min |
| Mass at launch | 138.6 kg |
ESSA I, a TIROS cartwheel satellite