"Got a Pop History/Pop Culture question from the 60's, 70's, 80's or 90's?" Just askmrpophistory@mrpophistory.com

Bell AT & T Telstar Exhibit

From Derek G – Mr. Pop – When did satellite communications begin? Telstar – right?

Mr. Pop History – Telstar yes… then no. The problem with Telstar (brought to us  by AT&T) was that it launched into low orbits, only a couple hundred miles from ground. It took a network of satellites and cumbersome tracking equipment to keep a signal. Afterall, the low-flying birds sped faster than earth. Believe me, Telstar was exciting and was big, big news in the summer of 1962 (check the weeks of this website).

Even better was the launch of Syncom (by Hughes) back on July 26, 1963. This was a big breakthrough because it was the first to achieve a stationary orbit. Many scientists didn’t believe you could place a satellite in a stationary orbit. Others doubted a radio signal could be sent 22,500 miles into space and work.

Within two years, other geosynchronus telecommunications satellites were placed in orbit, including the famed “Early Bird” television satellite and the rest is pop history.

Come back soon, as I answer, to the best of my knowledge, another one of your pop history/culture questions.