Syncom III is the first 'stationary satellite'. This experimental communications satellite was launched into orbit in August 1964, and maneuvered into a position such that it kept pace with a point on the spinning earth. To a ground observer, Syncom III would appear stationary, the world's first such satellite. Project Syncom (synchronous communications satellite), is one of several United States space projects that could lead to an operational communications satellite system providing worldwide service. Such a system could help meet the tremendous growth in demand for overseas communications that is anticipated in future years. Syncom has demonstrated the feasibility of employing synchronous satellites (see below) for global communications. One advantage of the synchronous (22,300-mile-altitude) system over-altitude systems (see NASA Facts-Project lay, G-12-62) is that as few as three properly positioned synchronous satellites could serve almost the entire world. As many as fifty lower altitude satellites would be needed to match this coverage. Another advantage is that a single synchronous satellite can provide uninterrupted communications service 24 hours daily. Lower altitude systems require that ground stations track and follow the satellites as the spacecraft cross the sky and that the stations switch from satellite to satellite as one satellite dips below the horizon and another comes within range.


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    Title :

    NASA Facts: Project Syncom, Volume 2, No. 14


    Publication date :

    1965


    Size :

    8 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English