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ATS 1 was launched in December 1966 and was the first in a series of geostationary satellites to be used in a research mode, while also demonstrating communications satellite technology. It was designed for the purpose of (1) testing new concepts in spacecraft design, propulsion, and stabilization, (2) collecting high-quality cloudcover pictures and relaying processed meteorological data via an earth-synchronous satellite, (3) providing in situ measurements of the aerospace environment, and (4) testing improved communication systems. The spin-stabilized spacecraft was cylindrically shaped and measured 135 cm long and 142 cm in diameter. The primary structural members were a honeycombed equipment shelf and thrust tube. Support rods extended radially outward from the thrust tube. Solar panels were affixed to the support rods and formed the outer walls of the spacecraft. In addition to solar panels, the spacecraft was equipped with two rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries to provide electrical power. Equipment components and payload were mounted in the annular space between the thrust tube and solar panels. This satellite carried a spin scan cloudcover camera, particle telescope, biaxal fluxgate magnetometer, suprathermal ion detector, omnidirectional spectrometer, weather facsimile data relay system, and VHF, telemetry and command antennas. Spacecraft guidance and orbital corrections were accomplished by a 2.3 kg hydrogen peroxide and hydrazine thrusters, which were activated by ground command. The satellite was initially placed at 151.16 degrees West over the Pacific Ocean in a geosynchronous orbit. In general, most of the experiments were successful. Data coverage was nominal until about 1970, after which limited real-time data acquisition was carried out by NOAA until the May 1974 launch of SMS 1. Limited ATS 1 data acquisition was started by NASA at about that time for ATS 1 - ATS 6 correlative studies. The spacecraft served as a communications satellite for a number of state, federal, and public organizations. It continued to operate at its final longitude of 164 degress East until September 1983, when the spacecraft was moved out of the geostationary orbit. __________ Taken from the NSSDC System for Information Retrieval and Storage (SIRS). For more information contact the NSSDC Coordinated Request and User Support Office, 301-286-6695 (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 933.4, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771, USA).
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