Also called:
Fleet Satellite Communications
Date of launch (location):
Feb. 9, 1978 (ETR)
Launch vehicle:
Atlas SLV-3D-Centaur D-IAR Weight
(kg): 1874
Shape:
Hexagonal with umbrella-shaped
antenna and two solar paddles mounted on two Y-shaped booms
from opposite sides
Dimensions (m):
1.27 height
2.44 diameter (4.88 with
antenna)
Power source:
Solar cells plus NiCd
batteries
NASA's role:
Launch vehicle and ground support
(reimbursable) Cooperating organizations: NASA and U.S.
Navy
Prime contractor:
TRW Defense and Space Systems
Responsible NASA center:
Langley Research Center
Project engineer:
K. Adams
Objectives:
To provide communications capability
for five years for the U.S. Air Force with narrow- band and
wideband channels and for the U.S. Navy for fleet relay and
fleet broadcast channels.
Results:
Successful; first of a series. System
provided an operational near-global satellite communications
system (four satellites) to support high-priority
communications requirements of the Navy and Air
Force.
Reference: NASA, "Fltsatcom Mission Operations Report," M-491-202-78-01, Jan. 25, 1978.