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The Communications Satellite Act of 1962

In: The Rise and Fall of COMSAT

Author

Listed:
  • David J. Whalen

    (University of North Dakota)

Abstract

Arthur C. Clarke’s October 1945 article, “Extraterrestrial Relays,” in Wireless World is generally considered to be the first description of geosynchronous communications satellites.1 His satellites orbited the Earth in 24 hours—the same rate as the Earth revolves—and would therefore appear stationary. Clarke hypothesized that three of these “geosynchronous” (synchronized with the Earth) satellites, each fixed over a specific longitude on the equator, would be sufficient to provide communications services for the entire globe except for the poles. The satellites would be used for broadcasting—especially television broadcasting. Many years later, Comsat’s President (1963–1983) Joseph Charyk asked Clarke when he had thought communications satellites would be launched. Clarke replied that he had not expected communications satellites to be introduced until after the year 2000. The main reason: it would be that long before manned missions to geosynchronous orbit would be commonplace.2

Suggested Citation

  • David J. Whalen, 2014. "The Communications Satellite Act of 1962," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: The Rise and Fall of COMSAT, chapter 1, pages 6-36, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-1-137-39693-8_2
    DOI: 10.1057/9781137396938_2
    as

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