Clamp, Marmon, Echo 1
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Object Details
- Summary
- Launched in 1960, Echo 1 was one of the first attempts to assess requirements and techniques for conducting communications via space. The satellite was a remarkably simple device: A reflective sphere 30 meters (100 feet) in diameter. Serving as a "mirror" in space, signals directed at the satellite from one location on Earth reflected back down to another location. By the time Echo 2 was launched in 1964, other types of communications satellites had proven superior, and researchers used the Echos primarily for scientific experiments.
- Echo satellites posed a unique technical challenge. They were essentially balloons sent into orbit folded flat and then inflated in space. Inflation had to proceed carefully to ensure the integrity of the satellite's surface.
- This artifact is a clamp that secured the launch canister (with balloon inside) to the final stage rocket. It was transferred from NASA to the Museum in 1979.
- Credit Line
- Transferred from NASA, Langley Research Center
- Inventory Number
- A19791315001
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Parts & Structural Components
- Materials
- Aluminum, steel
- Dimensions
- Overall: 1.59 x 30.48cm (5/8in. x 1ft)
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- See more items in
- National Air and Space Museum Collection
- National Air and Space Museum
- Record ID
- nasm_A19791315001
- Metadata Usage (text)
- Not determined
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv91224e063-689d-4f74-abd4-5a12c4f37469
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