Object Details
- Manufacturer
- RCA Astro Electronics
- Summary
- Launched by NASA in 1962, Relay 1 was one of several satellites placed in orbit in the decade after Sputnik to test the possibilities of communications from space. Relay 1 received telephone and television signals from ground stations and then transmitted them to other locations on the Earth's surface. The satellite relayed signals between North America and Europe and between North and South America, and it also monitored the effects of radiation on its electronics. In conjunction with the Syncom 3 communications satellite, Relay 1 transmitted television coverage of the 1964 Olympics in Japan.
- This prototype of Relay 1 is covered with solar cells. The antenna on top is for receiving and transmitting communications signals; those at its base are for telemetry, tracking, and control. In orbit, Relay used spin-stabilization to orient the antennas to communicate with Earth.
- NASA transferred this artifact to the Museum in 1967.
- Alternate Name
- Relay 1 Communications Satellite
- Credit Line
- Transferred from NASA
- Inventory Number
- A19670216000
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed
- Materials
- Aluminum, copper, plastic, glass, steel, adhesive, synthetic fabric, epoxy, solder
- Dimensions
- Overall: 4 ft. 4 in. tall x 2 ft. 6 in. wide (132.1 x 76.2cm) Weight: 170 lbs
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- See more items in
- National Air and Space Museum Collection
- Location
- National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
- Exhibition
- One World Connected
- National Air and Space Museum
- Record ID
- nasm_A19670216000
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv926b57a23-5bb6-45b3-9948-943ee9cc04eb
