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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