A malfunction in the second stage launch vehicle caused the spacecraft to reenter the Earth's atmosphere about 1 hour after lift-off.

ITOS-B was designed to provide improved operational infrared and visual observations of earth cloud cover for use in weather analysis and forecasting.

Secondary objectives included obtaining both solar proton and global heat balance data on a daily basis.

The TV cameras and infrared sensors were mounted on the satellite baseplate with their optical axes directed vertically earthward.

Minor adjustments in attitude and orientation could be made by means of magnetic coils and by varying the speed of the momentum flywheel.