Why Communication Satellites

Points out how communication satellites make it possible to send straight-line radio and television signals around the curve of the earth. Explains that some satellites can bounce signals back to earth, while others can strengthen and then rebroadcast the signals. Discusses future uses of the satellites. , This short 1963 educational film from Film Associates of California gives viewers an overview of the role satellites play in relaying information across the world, specifically showing how the early satellite developments—focusing on the Echo, Telstar, and Syncom satellites—make it possible for the fast and continuous transmitting of communication signals across the planet. The film opens with a shot of a satellite moving in space and the first television broadcast ever relayed through space via a Telstar satellite (monitors show the American flag, presumably from Andover Earth Station in Maryland). Animation and illustrations are used to show a satellite orbiting Earth, how straight-line signals are sent over the curve of the earth (01:55), and radio signals radiating from a radio tower. (periscope films)NOTE: Two (or more) records have been merged together to create this data.