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Launched by the U.S. Air Force in 1963, the West Ford satellite used a unique concept to test the new undertaking of communications from space. Once in space, the dispenser via a spring mechanism pushed the canister (this artifact), packed with millions of tiny needles (dipoles), into orbit. The needles in the canister slowly separated and formed a ring around the Earth. Antennas on the ground bounced radio signals off the ring of needles to communicate.

The museum's satellite is a prototype.

Transferred from the National Museum of American History to the Museum in 2004.

 Display Status

This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

James S. McDonnell Space Hangar
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Instruments & Payloads Manufacturer Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lincoln Laboratory
 Dimensions Overall: 8.89 high x 13.97 wide x 13.97cm deep, 5.4kg weight (3 1/2in. x 5 1/2in. x 5 1/2in., 12lb.)
 Materials Plastic, copper, aluminum
 Inventory Number A20040113001 Credit Line Transferred from the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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