Westar IV-VII

Object Details

Summary: In the 1960s, communications satellites emerged as a new, effective means to transmit telephone and television signals over great geographical distances. This capability became one of the signature accomplishments of the space age, highlighting the practical, everyday benefits of spaceflight. Through the 1970s and 1980s use of these satellites rapidly increased, serving the needs of individual nations and international communications.; As prominent symbols of technical advance, communications satellites often were celebrated in poster art. The works frequently used a similar formula, combining cultural symbols, images of the satellite, and an overhead view of the Earth to reinforce pictorially the importance of space technologies in national or international life.; This poster is of Westar (IV-VII), a satellite undertaken by Western Union to serve its U.S. business interests and launched in 1982. The satellite was manufactured by Hughes Space and Communications Company, which commissioned the poster.; Donated by Liz Scoggins to the Museum in 2012.

Credit Line: Gift of Liz Scoggins, in memory of Wesley F. Wycoff and Garien H. Wycoff

Medium: Poster, Aerospace Industry, Hughes Space and Communications Co., Westar
Dimensions: 2-D - Unframed (H x W): 61 × 45.7cm (2 ft. × 1 ft. 6 in.)

National Air and Space Museum

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9d7dcbfb2-f08c-48d7-a430-3394dadaba65