Object Details
Manufacturer
Naval Research Laboratory
Summary
This is the connecting collar for the antenna for the first of a series of LOw Frequency Trans-Ionospheric (LOFTI) radio satellites. LOFTI satellites were one of the first satellites intended to study the propagation of low frequency radio waves through and in the ionosphere as well as through water, to penetrate reliably enough to be used for communications with submerged submarines. LOFTI-1 was launched on a Thor-Able rocket in 1961. The scheduled separation from the Transit-3B satellite to which it was attached failed. Much valuable data on VLF and VHF transionospheric transmission was obtained in spite of the satellite's resulting shortened time in orbit.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory transferred this object to the Museum in 1975.
Credit Line
Transferred from the Naval Research Laboratory
Inventory Number
A19760022001
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Parts & Structural Components
Materials
Aluminum, steel, resin laminate
Dimensions
29.85 x 23.5 x 1.91cm (11 3/4in. x 9 1/4in. x 3/4in.) (Approximate, aluminum ring)
23.5 x 1.91cm (9 1/4in. x 3/4in.) (Approximate, laminate ring)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19760022001