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This is the connecting collar for the antenna for the first of a series of LOw Frequency Trans-Ionospheric (LOFTI) radio satellites. LOFTI satellites were one of the first satellites intended to study the propagation of low frequency radio waves through and in the ionosphere as well as through water, to penetrate reliably enough to be used for communications with submerged submarines. LOFTI-1 was launched on a Thor-Able rocket in 1961. The scheduled separation from the Transit-3B satellite to which it was attached failed. Much valuable data on VLF and VHF transionospheric transmission was obtained in spite of the satellite's resulting shortened time in orbit.

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory transferred this object to the Museum in 1975.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Parts & Structural Components Manufacturer Naval Research Laboratory
 Dimensions 29.85 x 23.5 x 1.91cm (11 3/4in. x 9 1/4in. x 3/4in.) (Approximate, aluminum ring)
23.5 x 1.91cm (9 1/4in. x 3/4in.) (Approximate, laminate ring)
 Materials Aluminum, steel, resin laminate
 Inventory Number A19760022001 Credit Line Transferred from the Naval Research Laboratory Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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