Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Radio waves from a mobile phone are received by an Iridium satellite, converted to digital "packets," routed according to destination, and then reconverted to radio signals for transmission. A series of computers perform this work as well as operate the satellite. Four computers like this one, dubbed a "smart modem," manage the flow of signals among the satellite's various antennas. This onboard computing power contrasts with traditional communications satellites, which generally receive and transmit radio signals without digitally processing them.

Motorola Space and Systems Technology Group, Satellites Communications Division, the manufacturer, 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-Instruments & Payloads Manufacturer Motorola Space and Systems Technology Group, Satellites Communications Division
 Dimensions Overall: 8 3/4 in. tall x 8 3/4 in. wide x 9 3/4 in. deep (22.2 x 22.2 x 24.8cm)
 Materials Aluminum Alloy
Copper Alloy
Epoxy
Plastics
Ink
 Inventory Number A19990142000 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.