Launched in 1969, Tacsat (Tactical Communications Satellite) was designed to improve the US military's ability to communicate with its forces on land, sea, or air. Tacsat's main feature was a set of large, powerful antennas. The strong signals they generated meant that military units required a relatively small antenna to received communications--a valuable feature for geographically dispersed or mobile forces.
Tacsat also was used extensively in the Apollo program to assist with coordinating ships and aircraft in the Pacific Ocean during the recovery of returning space capsules.
Hughes Aircraft donated this 1/24 scale model of a Tacsat satellite to the Museum in 1975.
Display Status
This object is on display in One World Connected at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MODELS-Uncrewed Spacecraft & Parts
Manufacturer
Hughes Aircraft
Dimensions
3-D: 38.1 × 12.1 × 14cm (1 ft. 3 in. × 4 3/4 in. × 5 1/2 in.)
Materials
Plastics, copper alloy, ferrous alloy (steel), white metal plating, paint, cadmium plating
Inventory Number
A19750772000
Credit Line
Gift of Hughes Aircraft Co.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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