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

The Marisat series of communications satellites, launched during 1976, consisted of three geostationary spacecraft designed to provide multiband communications between seaborne vessels and shore stations. The three satellites, placed in equatorial orbits over the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, provided communications over most of the world's water surface (except near the poles).

COMSAT developed Marisat, primarliy to meet needs of the United States Navy but also to serve commercial users.

Marisat operated until mid-1983. Marisat 2 (Pacific) remained widely used for another few years to meet special requirements of Pacific Ocean Naval communications. At end of its operating life, the system supported communications to more than 1,000 vessels, enabling access to navigational and meteorological data as well as general news.

Hughes Aircraft donated this 1/24 scale model 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.

One World Connected
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type MODELS-Uncrewed Spacecraft & Parts Manufacturer Hughes Aircraft Co.
 Dimensions 3-D: 18.4 × 8.9 × 8.9cm (7 1/4 × 3 1/2 × 3 1/2 in.)
 Materials Plastic, steel, aluminum alloy, nickel alloy, paper, paint
 Inventory Number A19750775000 Credit Line Gift of Hughes Aircraft Co. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.