communications satellite: Quick Facts

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The satellite's solar panels are arrays of solar cells that provide the electrical energy needed for its functions, the power being stored in batteries. Its antennas may be 8 ft (2.5 m) in diameter and may transmit wide-area-of-coverage beams or narrowly focused “spot” beams.

Astronauts capture and repair Intelsat VI, a communications satellite stranded in orbit, during a 1992 space shuttle mission.

NASA launch of Early Bird, or Intelsat I

Engineers Stanley R. Peterson and Ray Bowerman inspecting Early Bird (Intelsat I), the first commercial communications satellite, in 1965.

Molniya 1L, a television communications satellite launched April 11, 1969.

Replicas of the synchronous communications satellites that allowed the 1968 Olympic Games to be televised in Europe and Japan.

Telstar 1 communications satellite with a spherical, panel-covered top and cylindrical base, displayed indoors.

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Key People

Pierce, John Robinson

John Robinson Pierce

American scientist

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William P. Lear

American engineer and industrialist

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Harold Rosen

American engineer

Armed Forces Radio Services broadcaster Jack Brown interviews Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall for broadcast to troops overseas during World War II.

Communications Firsts Quiz

Nicolaus Copernicus. Nicolas Copernicus (1473-1543) Polish astronomer. In 1543 he published, forward proof of a Heliocentric (sun centered) universe. Coloured stipple engraving published London 1802. De revolutionibus orbium coelestium libri vi.

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