This day in space: NASA launched first communications satellite in 1960

AI Summary

NASA launched its first communications satellite, Echo 1A, on August 12, 1960. The passive satellite reflected radio, telephone, and television signals while studying atmospheric density and solar pressure until it re-entered Earth’s atmosphere in 1968.

On August 12, 1960, NASA launched Echo 1A, a 100-foot balloon that became its first successful communications satellite. The passive spacecraft reflected telephone, radio and television signals between distant points on Earth. It also helped NASA study atmospheric density, solar pressure and satellite triangulation before re-entering Earth’s atmosphere in 1968.