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Telstar

Spacecraft · USA

Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.

Telstar
Telstar
Credit: Sven Grahn

American communications satellite. Communication satellite built by Bell Telephone Laboratories for AT&T, USA. Launched 1962 - 1963.

The first active-repeater communications satellite, Telstar demonstrated the feasibility of transmitting television images, telephone, telegraph and radio messages on a global basis. Launched by a Delta booster, Telstar first went into orbit on July 10, 1962. Telstar II was orbited on May 7, 1963. Both satellites were highly successful. NASA provided launch vehicles and tracking facilities on a reimbursable basis. Prime Contractor: American Telephone and Telegraph Company, management by Bell Telephone Laboratories.

More at: Telstar.

Related

Country
USA
Launch Vehicles
Thor, Delta, Thor Delta, Thor Delta B
Agency
ATT
Bibliography
2, 405, 6, 6975, 13267

Photo Gallery

  • Telstar 1
    Telstar 1
    Credit: Manufacturer Image

Chronology

2 events

1962 July 10

08:35 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC17B. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Delta.
  • Telstar 1 - . Mass: 77 kg (169 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: ATT. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: Telstar. USAF Sat Cat: 340 . COSPAR: 1962-A-Epsilon-1. Apogee: 5,643 km (3,506 mi). Perigee: 945 km (587 mi). Inclination: 44.80 deg. Period: 157.80 min.

    A NASA Thor/Delta boosted Telstar, the first commercially developed international communications satellite, into orbit. First commercial comsat; active repeater. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C).

1963 May 7

11:38 GMT - . Launch Site: Cape Canaveral. Launch Complex: Cape Canaveral LC17B. LV Family: Thor. Launch Vehicle: Thor Delta B.
  • Telstar 2 - . Mass: 79 kg (174 lb). Nation: USA. Agency: ATT. Class: Communications. Type: Civilian communications satellite. Spacecraft: Telstar. USAF Sat Cat: 573 . COSPAR: 1963-013A. Apogee: 10,802 km (6,712 mi). Perigee: 972 km (603 mi). Inclination: 42.70 deg. Period: 225.30 min. Active repeater. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). .