Program archive

Early communications satellites

Early communications satellites is explored here through 14 archived missions, from Telstar 1 through ATS-6, with the program’s spacecraft, people, milestones, and source-backed history connected along the way.

Missions: 14
People: 0
Vehicles: 14

Explore this program

Choose a path through the Early communications satellites archive.

Currently viewing · Overview

Explore the Early communications satellites program

Follow 14 archived missions, their spacecraft, science payloads, milestones, and source-backed records in one program collection.

Program details1962–197414 mission records

Flight record14 flights14 robotic or uncrewed

First flown missionTelstar 1July 10, 1962

Latest flown missionATS-6May 30, 1974

Program story

This collection brings together the mission records currently available for Early communications satellites. Use the sections above to move from the chronological flight record to science payloads, spacecraft, timeline milestones, and archival imagery.