Lecture Notes: RCA and Space Exploration

Introduction

• Focus on the global attention towards the stars and the conquest of outer space.
• RCA's historical and ongoing collaboration with the government on space exploration programs.

Early Achievements

• 1958: SCORE

  • First talking satellite.
  • Sent President Eisenhower's Christmas message around the Earth.

• 1960: TIROS

  • World's first weather satellite.
  • Used for locating icebergs, storms, and hurricanes.
  • Multiple TIROS satellites have since been launched and fulfilled their missions.

• 1960: ECHO

  • Passive satellite.
  • RCA provided electronic tracking equipment.

Recent Developments

• RELAY
  • Links North America to South America and Europe.
  • Built by RCA for NASA.
  • Described as the world's most powerful communication satellite.
  • Components designed for high reliability and longevity.

Ongoing Projects at RCA Space Center

• Ranger's Television System

  • Development of cameras for the first close-up pictures of the moon.

• Project CERT

  • An outer space test for electric propulsion.

Purpose and Promise

• Projects aim for the peaceful use of outer space.
• RCA's projects promise a better life for the entire world.
• RCA is highlighted as the most trusted name in electronics.