Each of the main mission antennas on an Iridium satellite consists of more than 100 of these small antennas, manufactured by Raytheon. They receive signals from ground-based phones, and the signals are then processed by onboard computers. After processing, the original signal is either retransmitted to the ground or passed to another satellite.
Motorola Space and Systems Technology Group, Satellites Communications Division, donated this artifact to the Museum in 1998.
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
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Communications
Manufacturer
Raytheon Company
Dimensions
3-D: 6 × 6 × 1.3cm (2 3/8 × 2 3/8 × 1/2 in.)
Materials
Copper Alloy
Aluminum Alloy
Mylar
Uncharacterized Insulation
Inventory Number
A19990141000
Credit Line
Gift of Motorola Space and Systems Technology Group.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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