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.
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
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