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ATS-6
Part of ATS
ATS-6
ATS-6
Credit: NASA
American communications technology satellite. ATS 6. In addition to its technology experiments, ATS-6 became the world's first educational satellite. Communication, Meteorology satellite built by Fairchild for NASA, USA. Launched 1974. Used ATS-6 Bus.

AKA: Applications Technology Satellite. Status: Operational 1974. First Launch: 1974-05-30. Last Launch: 1974-05-30. Number: 1 . Gross mass: 930 kg (2,050 lb). Height: 8.50 m (27.80 ft). Span: 16.00 m (52.00 ft).

During its 5 year life, ATS-6 transmitted educational programming to India, the US and other countries. 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. The satellite also played a major role in the Apollo/Soyuz docking in 1975 when it relayed signals to the Houston Control center.

ATS-6 was boosted above geostationary orbit when thruster failures threatened to prevent further control of the spacecraft. The spacecraft had a 9 m diameter deployed antenna reflector. Pointing accuracy was 0.1 deg. Two half cylinder drum arrays on booms provided 645 W BOL electrical power. The satellite was 3 axis stabilized.

Payloads included the VHRR (Very High Resolution Radiometer) instrument, a millimeter wave propagation experiment, an L-band communications package, and C-band communications equipment


More at: ATS-6.

Family: Communications technology sat, Geosynchronous orbit, Technology. Country: USA. Launch Vehicles: Titan, Titan IIIC. Projects: ATS. Launch Sites: Cape Canaveral, Cape Canaveral LC40. Agency: NASA, NSF, Fairchild. Bibliography: 2, 279, 3572, 3573, 3581, 6, 6371, 12125.
Photo Gallery

ATS 6ATS 6
Credit: Manufacturer Image



1974 May 30 - . 13:00 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC40. LV Family: Titan. Launch Vehicle: Titan IIIC.

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