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

The Syncom communication satellites (Syncom 1, 2, and 3), developed by the Hughes Aircraft Company and launched from 1963 to 1964, were instrumental in demonstrating the feasibility of space-based communications from geostationary orbit. This orbit, more than 22,000 miles (35, 405 km) above the Earth's equator, allows a satellite to "sit" constantly over a specific region of the Earth, providing a consistent, reliable pathway for communications.

Syncom 3 helped provide television coverage to the United States of the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, demonstrating the ability of satellites to facilitate long-distance communications.

Hughes Aircraft donated this 1/24 scale model 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 MODELS-Uncrewed Spacecraft & Parts Manufacturer Hughes Aircraft Co.
 Dimensions 1 high x 1.25 diameter in. (2.5 x 3.2 cm)
 Materials Plastic, brass, aluminum
 Inventory Number A19750766000 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.