Before we had GPS as we know it today, another satellite system provided navigation services to users around the world. The Transit system, operated by the U.S. Navy, consisted of orbiting satellites that operated from the 1960s through the 1980s. Join geographer Andrew Johnston and learn about the development of the Transit system and the Transit V-A satellite on display in the Time and Navigation exhibition.
Meet at the Museum "Great Seal", in the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall on the first floor.
About the Ask an Expert lecture series: Every Wednesday at noon in the National Mall Building, a Museum staff member talks to the public about the history, collection, or personalities related to a specific artifact or exhibition in the Museum.
This is an operational backup of a Transit 5-A satellite. Developed in the 1960s by the U.S. Navy, the Transit system grew to six satellites, gave worldwide coverage every 90 minutes, and provided position accuracy to within 200 meters (660 feet). Transit service was made available to commercial shipping in 1967 and operated until 1996, when the GPS was fully operational.