The communications satellite was called the ATS-F before it was launched and then changed its name to the AST-6 on May 30, 1974 as it went into space. It was supposed to be active for two years, but continued to be used until 1979.
For more information on the ATS-6 Satellite Project check out these links:
Smithsonian
Museum Collection includes an ATS-F
Jet Propulsion
Laboratory History on ATS-6
NASA
Experimental Communications Satellites History Page for ATS-6
Boston University had some
experiments on the ATS-6
After
the US portion of the ATS-6 project, it was moved to India
©
1998-2003 Robert Snyder
First created: August 30, 2002
Last updated: May 21, 2003
URL: http://www.bobsgroup.com/ats.html
NO Portion of this page may be copied or used without permission, including the
graphic of J Edgar Swoop.