Exploring the Unknown - NASA's History Office

Ground Transmitting Station at Holmdel: Existing 60’ dish, used in Echo I, modified
for 6875 mc operation, or a new similar dish. Improved antenna control system. 1 kw
transmitter, using either a commercially available klystron or a traveling wave tube under
development by Bell Laboratories, choice to be determined by engineering considerations.
Ground Station or Stations in Europe: Same as at Holmdel, possibly with variations in
detail required to satisfy foreign partners.
Antenna Pointing: Use Minitrack data. Have Goddard Space Flight Center compute
orbit parameters to be transmitted to BTL. Track computation and antenna control
orders by Bell Laboratories.
Estimated Performance: With satellite 7.5˚ above horizon, and assuming total noise
temperature of 34˚ K, 2 db [decibels] satellite antenna gain and achievable accuracy in
antenna pointing, system would provide peak-to-peak signal-to-rms noise ratio of 47 db.
Such performance will provide a path for about 450 one-way, high-grade telephone channels,
or in the order of 100 two-way channels. Alternatively, the experimental system will
provide one-way-at-a-time transmission of a black-and-white television picture of a quality
only slightly inferior to American commercial standards, and not noticeable on the average
home receiver.
Schedule: The system is expected to be operational in 12 months, assuming no undue
delays are encountered in: (1) assignment of the necessary experimental radio frequencies,
(2) availability of a suitable satellite launching vehicle, and (3) agreements with the
foreign partner(s) and execution of their agreed-upon technical tasks.
October 20, 1960
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Mr. G. L. Best, Vice President
American Telephone and Telegraph Company
195 Broadway
New York 7, New York
Dear Mr. Best:
EXPLORING THE UNKNOWN 51
28 September 1960
Thank you for your letter dated September 15, 1960, which you handed me on that
date. It was a pleasure to see you and Dr. Baker again.
The proposal of the Bell System to integrate satellite systems into its commercial operations
is of considerable interest to NASA.
From a broad point of view, as you no doubt appreciate, your request that NASA
launch trial satellites for the Bell System raises issues of national policy which we are currently
studying. Accordingly, there is no simple or ready-made response that I can give you
at this time.
It is helpful to me to know the position of your company and its particular plans for
the future. If you are able to be more specific about any facet of your program at any time
in the future, please be assured that I would appreciate being informed.
**********
Sincerely yours,
T. Keith Glennan
Administrator