ATS-6
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
ATS-6 (Applications Technology Satellite-6) was the world's first educational satellite as well as world's first experimental Direct Broadcast Satellite as part of the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment between NASA and ISRO. It was launched May 30, 1974 and decommissioned July, 1979.
During its 5 year life, ATS-6 transmitted educational programming to various countries, including India, the US and other regions. The vehicle also conducted air traffic control tests, was used to practice satellite-assisted search and rescue techniques, carried an experimental radiometer subsequently carried as a standard instrument aboard weather satellites, and pioneered direct broadcast TV.
