TIROS-8 was launched on December 21, 1963, by a Thor-Delta rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, United States.

The satellite spin rate was maintained between 8 and 12 rpm by use of five diametrically opposed pairs of small, solid-fuel thrusters.

The flight control system also optimized the performance of the solar cells and TV cameras and protected the five-channel infrared radiometer from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

The APT experiment provided real-time earth-cloud pictures taken by the satellite to any properly equipped ground receiving station.

Pictures taken by the TV camera were transmitted directly or were stored in a tape recorder on board for subsequent playback, depending on whether the spacecraft was within or beyond communication range of either of two ground receiving stations.