Object Details
Manufacturer
Hughes Aircraft Co.
Summary
The Marisat series of communications satellites, launched during 1976, consisted of three geostationary spacecraft designed to provide multiband communications between seaborne vessels and shore stations. The three satellites, placed in equatorial orbits over the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, provided communications over most of the world's water surface (except near the poles).
COMSAT developed Marisat, primarliy to meet needs of the United States Navy but also to serve commercial users.
Marisat operated until mid-1983. Marisat 2 (Pacific) remained widely used for another few years to meet special requirements of Pacific Ocean Naval communications. At end of its operating life, the system supported communications to more than 1,000 vessels, enabling access to navigational and meteorological data as well as general news.
Hughes Aircraft donated this 1/24 scale model to the Museum in 1975.
Credit Line
Gift of Hughes Aircraft Co.
Inventory Number
A19750775000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
MODELS-Uncrewed Spacecraft & Parts
Materials
Plastic, steel, aluminum alloy, nickel alloy, paper, paint
Dimensions
3-D: 18.4 × 8.9 × 8.9cm (7 1/4 × 3 1/2 × 3 1/2 in.)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Exhibition
One World Connected
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19750775000