By the late 1970s, communications via satellite had become a vital part of national and international life. The Comstar satellites were emblematic of this development. Built by Hughes Aircraft for American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T), then the dominant provider of telecommunications services in the US, the Comstars were AT&T's first effort at using satellites to complement its extensive system of ground-based communications.
The satellites were launched from 1976 to 1981. The last Comstar continued operation until 2002.
Hughes Aircraft donated this 1/24 scale model of a Comstar satellite to the Museum in 1975.
Display Status
This object is on display in One World Connected at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MODELS-Uncrewed Spacecraft & Parts
Manufacturer
Hughes Aircraft Co.
Dimensions
3-D: 30.5 × 11.7 × 9.5cm (1 ft. × 4 5/8 in. × 3 3/4 in.)
Materials
Plastic, wood, copper alloy, steel, white metal plating, paint
Inventory Number
A19750769000
Credit Line
Gift of Hughes Aircraft Co.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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