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Each of the main mission antennas on an Iridium satellite consists of more than 100 of these small antennas, manufactured by Raytheon. They receive signals from ground-based phones, and the signals are then processed by onboard computers. After processing, the original signal is either retransmitted to the ground or passed to another satellite.

Motorola Space and Systems Technology Group, Satellites Communications Division, donated this artifact to the Museum in 1998.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Communications Manufacturer Raytheon Company
 Dimensions 3-D: 6 × 6 × 1.3cm (2 3/8 × 2 3/8 × 1/2 in.)
 Materials Copper Alloy
Aluminum Alloy
Mylar
Uncharacterized Insulation
 Inventory Number A19990141000 Credit Line Gift of Motorola Space and Systems Technology Group. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.