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Catalog Data

Manufacturer:
Bell Telephone Laboratories  Search this
Materials:
Resin
Plastic
Aluminum
Copper Alloy
Paint
Adhesive
Steel
Dimensions:
Overall: 35.6 x 30.5cm (14 x 12 in.)
Storage: 40.6 x 40.6 x 40.6cm (16 x 16 x 16 in.)
Type:
MODELS-Uncrewed Spacecraft & Parts
Country of Origin:
United States of America
Summary:
Launched on July 10, 1962, Telstar 1 was the world's first active communications satellite. Developed by Bell Telephone Laboratories for the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T), Telstar received a signal from the Earth, processed it onboard, and then resent to another location below (an "active" satellite). AT&T used the satellite to test basic features of communications via space, including the feasibility of transmitting telephone and television signals and the effect of Van Allen belt radiation on spacecraft components.
During its operational life, Telstar 1 facilitated over 400 telephone, telegraph, facimile and television transmissions. Soon after launch, Telstar enabled the first transatlantic television transmission, linking the United States and France. In November 1962, the satellite's electronics failed, damaged by Van Allen Belt radiation. Telstar 2, which incorporated radiation resistant electronics, launched in May 1963, continuing AT&T's research effort.
This artifact is a one third scale model of the Telstar satellite, donated to the Museum by David Kosakoff in 1982.
Credit Line:
Gift of David Kosakoff
Inventory Number:
A19820211000
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source:
National Air and Space Museum
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9e62897a1-ad6c-4126-8660-d0978e9731a0
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nasm_A19820211000