EARLY LAUNCHING OF MICRO-SATELLITES - SATELLITE TELEVISION
Today, our universe has hundreds of orbiting satellites, each with a purpose. However, before we got to the high-tech world of today, micro-satellites were launched. These smaller satellites were not fancy or complex but they did pave the way for the advances we now enjoy.
To provide you with a little bit of satellite television history, we have pulled information together form 1957 to 1969, pointing out some of the historical satellites that have changed our world. Remember, these satellites mentioned are just a few that have affected our history.
Sputnik – The first satellite launched into space was accomplished by the Soviets with Sputnik in 1957. The name, which translates to “fellow traveler” or “companion”, was small, measuring just 23 inches and weighing only 184 pounds. However, to get the satellite into space, a 260-ton booster rocket was needed. From this satellite, telegraphic impulses were telegraphed. However, after three weeks in space, Sputnik’s batteries failed. On the 40th anniversary of the original Sputnik, a replica was launched into space.
Explorer 1 – The next satellite to make its mark on history was launched in 1958. The shape was cylindrical, a little different from that of Sputnik. Launching in January, this satellite remained in operation until May 23. In all, Explorer 1 orbited 58,000 times and then in 1970, the satellite finally decayed. The value of this particular launch was the satellite’s ability to measure the environment of space, specific to thermal and radiation. In all, Explorer 1 was capable of sending information on eight continuous channels with the use of four antennas. Originally designed to spin on the long axis, the spin soon railed, causing the satellite to tumble end-over-end.
Vanguard 1 – Also in 1958, Vanguard 1 was launched, which carried miniature radio transmitters, along with a solar radiation sensor and other important instruments. To ensure the batteries would not fail as with Sputnik, solar panels were added in the design for continual power. While the other two satellites mentioned only lasted a short time in space, Vanguard 1 stayed in operation for seven years.
SCORE – Designed by the United States’ Army, SCORE was the acronym for “Signal Communication by Orbiting Relay”. Launching in December of 1958 from Cape Canaveral, this satellite only operated for two weeks. However, SCORE’s name to fame was the carried messages on a tape recorder used to carry a Christmas message from the current, President Eisenhower.
Echo 1 – This satellite was a passive reflector that was sent into space in the summer of 1960. Although small, Echo 1 stayed in space until 1968.
OSCAR 1 – Finally, in 1961, the first radio amateur satellite was sent into space via the United States Air Force on a Thor Agena B launcher and Discover 36. Launching with an incline of 81 degrees, this satellite was unique in that it was built in a garage workshop. The acronym stands for “Orbital Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio”, which was powered by battery, while containing a beacon transmitting Hi-Hi using Morse code. The OSCAR satellite was able to continue transmittals with ease and by January of 1962 had finished 312 orbits before finally entering the earth’s atmosphere.
Ariel 1 – This satellite was launched by the British in the spring of 1962 from Cape Canaveral. The purpose of this satellite was to study ionosphere, as well as to take x-rays of data, which it did until the fall of 1964.
Telestar 1 – This satellite was launched by the first commercial spacecraft, actually constructed by Bell Telephone Laboratories. Launching in the summer of 1962, Telestar 1 was spherical in shape and designed with 3,600 solar cells. In addition, this satellite carried an active broadband transponder, which provided 600 voice channels, as well as, one television channel.
SYNCOM 1 – Then, SYNCOM 1 was the first communication satellite to join the geostationary orbit. Designed by Hughes, this satellite was actually experimental for NASA when launched in February 1963. Unfortunately, all radio contact with SYNCOM 1 was lost after being placed into orbit.
San Marco 1 – As the first Italian micro-satellite, the San Marco was sent into space in December of 1964 from Wallops and at a 38-degree incline. The purpose of this satellite was to measure atmospheric density, which it did until re-entering the earth’s atmosphere in the fall of 1965.
A-1 (Asterix) – The French launched their first satellite in November of 1965 in Algeria. However, while its mission was to test the diamante launcher on which it was sent into space, A-1 only transmitted signals for two days.
Pageos – As a GEOS reflector satellite, this was launched with the Thor Agena rocket in the summer of 1966 from Vandenberg Air Force Base. This satellite tracked via photograph, measuring tiny perturbations in the gravitational field of the earth. However, Pageos finally disintegrated in January of 1976 although the reason is unknown.
WRESAT 1 – Built in just 11 months by the Australian Weapons Research Establishment, this satellite launched in November of 1967. WRESAT 1 only transmitted for five days, finally re-entering the earth’s atmosphere after 42 days of service.
DSCS – In 1968, a series of 26 micro-satellites were launched between June 16, 1966 and June 13, 1968 for the United States Department of Defense. Providing strategic communications services, this satellite was capable of providing single channels communications of both voice and data. As a polygon-shaped satellite, it had a lifespan of 18 months.
Azur – Finally, in 1969, Azur was launched by the Germans. Orbiting at an incline of 102.75 degrees, Azur was sent into space specifically for seven unique experiments. For instance, this satellite was used to study solar particle fluxes and proton flux density, among other things. While successful, Azur finally failed in the summer of 1970.
Before You Go On.....
Sign up to the
SatelliteTVonPCReviews.com Newsletter!
"Keep up to date with the Latest Developments in Satellite Television Technology, get free insider reports, Plus Take Advantage of Exclusive Discounts on Our Product Range"
This is a private
SatelliteTVonPCReviews.com mailing list. Your details will never be sold or given to any third party.
