Satellites In The 60's, 70's, & 90's.
Elena G / Physics Sec.337 / 16 April 1997
The idea of satellites first surfaced in the mid 1950's. The Soviet
Union and the United States were the first to come up with plans for satellites
and their launchings. In the beginning satellites might not have been very
complex but it was only the beginning.
The First Satellites
Plans to begin launching the first satellites began in the mid 1950's.
In 1955, both the United States and the Soviet Union announced their plans
to launch artificial satellites. On October 4,1957, Sputnik 1 was launched
by the Soviet Union. It circled the earth once every 96 minutes and transmitted
radio signals received on earth. On November 3,1957, Sputnik 2 was launched.
This time carrying a dog named Laika, which was the first animal in space.
On Jan. 31,1958, the U.S. launched their first satellite, Explorer 1.
Different Types
of Satellites
There are many different kinds of satellites that are used everyday.
One type of satellite is weather satellites. Tiros 1 was the first weather
satellite which was launched on April 1,1960. Tiros 1 sent pictures of
clouds to the earth. Another kind of satellite is a navigation satellite.
This satellite was first developed by the U.S. Navy. It was called Transit
1B, and it first orbited in April of 1960. The U.S. launched Echo 1, the
first communication satellite. Echo 1 reflected signals back to Earth.
The Usage of
Satellites in the 60's, 70's, and 90's
The usage of satellites in the 1960's differs greatly from the 1970's
and 1990's. As of 1965, 100 satellites were placed in orbit each year.
In the 1970's satellite usage expanded from the usage in the 60's. Scientists
created new and more effective satellite instruments. Computers and miniature
electronic technology in satellite design and construction was used. Many
nations along with private businesses began to purchase and operate satellites.
In the 1990's satellites became more popular and more necessary. By the
early 90's more than 20 countries owned and operated their own satellites,
and 2,000 satellites were operating in orbit.
History
, Types and Usage of Satellites
From the beginning of satellites to the present time, satellites have
greatly advanced. More satellites are produced and operated everyday. They
are basically a necessity. Satellites have come a long way since 1955.
Satellites are more advanced and there is a large number of different types
of satellites. As of now satellites are used greatly and will continue
to be used in large numbers and will continue to be produced.
Works Cited
Bryan, CDB. The National Air And Space Museum; volume 2 space.
New York: Bantam book, 1982.
Landberg, Mike. "The Spy Satellites That Changed History."
San Jose Mercury News. 27 August 1995, 1A+ On-line. SIRS Researcher Winter
96. 7 January, 1997.
Litynsiki, Zygmunt. "Satellite, Artificial." McGraw-Hill
Encyclopedia. 1977 ed.
Oberright, John E. "Satellite Artificial: History". World
Book Multimedia Encyclopedia. CD-ROM Chicago: World Book, Inc, 1995.