ATS-1

ATS-1

This is a section of an ATS-1 satellite image showing Hurricane Monica, from September 2, 1971 at 0008z, which originated within the National Hurricane Center archive in Coral Gables, FL
Mission type Weather Satellite
COSPAR ID 1966-110A[1]
Start of mission
Launch date December 7, 1966, 02:12:01 UTC
Rocket Atlas SLV-3 Agena-D
Launch site Cape Canaveral LC-12
Orbital parameters
Reference system Geocentric

ATS-1 was a communications satellite intended to test geostationary orbit techniques at 23,000 mi (37,000 km) above Earth, initially in orbit over Ecuador. It transmitted weather images and data to ground stations, as well as video feeds for television broadcasting. It was the first satellite to use frequency division multiple access which accepted multiple independent signals and downlinked them in a single carrier. The spacecraft measured 56 inches (1,400 mm) in diameter, 57 inches (1,400 mm) high and weighed 750 lb (340 kg).[2]

The ATS-1 satellite was used during the 1967 international television broadcast Our World, providing a link between the United States and Australia during the program.


References

  1. ↑ NASA - NSSDC - Spacecraft - Details
  2. ↑ Missions - ATS - NASA Science