ATS-1
Applications Technology Satellite-1
Part of the ATS (Applications Technology Satellites) program

During its 18 year lifetime, ATS-1 examined spin stabilization techniques, investigated the geostationary environment, and performed several communications experiments. Its VHF experiment tested the ability to act as a link between ground stations and aircraft, demonstrated collection of meteorological data from remote terminals, and evaluated the feasibility of using VHF signals for navigation. It also transmitted educational programs and provided health, research, and community services to the US and several Pacific island countries, including the Cook, Mariana, Marshall and Caroline Islands, West and American Samoa, Melanesia, New Zealand, and Australia. The mission also provided the first full-Earth cloud cover images.

Spacecraft
Aluminum structure, drum solar array providing 180W BOL, 2 6 Ah NiCd batteries, spin stabilization, hydrazine stationkeeping system, nutation damper, sun sensors (2), accelerometers (2)

Payload
Ion detectors, spectrometers, camera, C-band communications experiment (also used for international TV broadcasts) and VHF communications package

Country of Origin	United States
Customer/User	NASA, NSF
Manufacturer(s)	Hughes
Size	1.4 m dia. x 1.3 m high cylinder
Orbit	GEO (over Pacific), incl. = 10.1 deg
Design Life	3 years

Launch Facts

Name	Int'l Desig.	Date	Site	Vehicle	Orbit	Mass(kg)
Notes
ATS 1	1966-110A	12/7/66	ESMC	Atlas Agena D	GEO	352
Applications Technology Satellite; communications and meteorological experiments