Communications satellites are one such technology, and they play a major role in our daily lives. Prior to the 1960s, long-distance communication via radio, telephone, and television networks was a …

Earth's natural satellite is the Moon, but many objects in our Solar System have multiple natural satellites. Humans have also created artificial satellites—human-made machines and spacecraft in …

What Can You Really See From Space? Most people know that satellites in orbit do useful things such as collect images of the Earth's surface. At the National Air and Space Museum I use satellite …

Today, hundreds of civilian and military applications satellites ring the Earth, often operating side-by-side in orbit. They provide similar services—communications, photography, remote sensing, weather …

Aug 9, 2022 · Learn about three ways that satellites have led to a better understanding of how we affect our environment.

Telstar was one of the most significant communications satellites of the early space age. It raised an important policy question: Should communications satellites be operated and controlled by private …

Military reconnaissance is an operation to obtain information relating to the activities, resources, or military forces of a foreign nation or armed group. It uses balloons, aviation, and space technology …

Jul 23, 2012 · Last week, the Museum recognized the 50th anniversary of Telstar, the first “active” satellite (one that can receive a radio signal from a ground station and then immediately re-transmit it …

This satellite represents the first generation of space-based, commercial radio service developed by Sirius Radio, a U.S. company (now Sirius XM Radio). Designed in 1987 and initiating service in …

Oct 26, 2023 · The Space Race grew out of a conflict known as the Cold War. While not a war in the traditional sense, the two countries were in a state of military and political tension that lasted nearly …