Nimbus 1 was launched on August 28, 1964, by a Thor-Agena rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, United States.

The polar-orbiting spacecraft consisted of three major elements: (1) a torus-shaped sensory ring, (2) solar paddles, and (3) the control system housing.

The solar paddles and control system housing were connected to the sensory ring by a truss structure, giving the satellite the appearance of an ocean buoy.

The lower surface of the sensory ring provided mounting space for sensors and telemetry antennas.

An H-frame structure, mounted within the center of the torus, provided support for the larger experiments and tape recorders.