Satellite Networks &
Architectures Branch

Advanced Communications Technology Satellite

The Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) provides for the development and flight test of high-risk, advanced communications satellite technology. Using advanced antenna beams and advanced on-board switching and processing systems, ACTS is pioneering new initiatives in communications satellite technology. The NASA Lewis Research Center is responsible for the development, management, and operation of ACTS, latest in a long legacy of experimental communications satellites. Overall ACTS program management resides within the NASA Space Operations Management Office (SOMO) located at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Jon Michael Smith of SOMO is the ACTS Program Manager.

For more information, please see the ACTS Homepage.

Applications Technology Satellite III

The Applications Technology Satellite III (ATS-3) was built by the Space Systems Division of Hughes Aircraft, El Segundo, CA. The satellite was launched from NASA's Cape Kennedy on November 5, 1967, on top of an Atlas-Agena D launch vehicle. The spin-stabilized satellite weighed 1,574 pounds before launch, and 798 pounds once in orbit after the firing of its apogee kick motor. The drum part of ATS-3 is 57.6" in diameter and 54" long. The satellite was initially placed in geosynchronous orbit at 47° West longitude, and was moved to several other locations to support various experiments before running out of fuel at 105° West longitude. The satellite remains in operation today as the world's oldest communications satellite in active use. Telemetry from the satellite indicates that it is in fine health and that we should expect many more years of service from it.

For more information, please see the ATS-3 Homepage.