Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

In the 1960s, communications satellites emerged as a new, effective means to transmit telephone and television signals over great geographical distances. This capability became one of the signature accomplishments of the space age, highlighting the practical, everyday benefits of spaceflight. Through the 1970s and 1980s use of these satellites rapidly increased, serving the needs of individual nations and international communications.

In this time period the Hughes Space and Communications Company was the preeminent manufacturer of communications satellites in the world, designing spacecraft for the U.S. government and corporations as well as for many nations around the world.

This poster shows the various models of communications satellites (as well as a few other spacecraft) Hughes had built as of the late 1980s. Note the increase in size of the satellites, an indicator of improved communications capability over time. Also, the cylindrical shape of most of the satellites reflects Hughes’ preference for spin-stabilization as a technique for achieving spacecraft stability in orbit.

Donated by Liz Scoggins to the Museum in 2012.

 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 ART-Posters, Original Art Quality Medium Poster, Aerospace Industry, Hughes Family of Communications Satellites Distributor Hughes Space and Communications Company
 Dimensions 2-D - Unframed (H x W): 28.1 × 56cm (11 1/16 in. × 1 ft. 10 1/16 in.)
 Inventory Number A20120300000 Credit Line Gift of Liz Scoggins, in memory of Wesley F. Wycoff and Garien H. Wycoff Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.