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From Earth to the Moon
In 1865, Jules Verne published "From the Earth to the Moon," the first recorded contemplation of an artificial satellite. (Satellite Timeline, Society of Satellite Professionals International) -
Sputnik 1
The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1 into low earth orbit, the first artificial satellite the world had ever seen. It had a 96-minute orbital period, and transmitted radio signals back to Earth. (Oberright) -
Sputnik 2
The USSR launched yet another satelllite, Sputnik 2, less than one month after its predecessor. Sputnik 2 carried Laika, a dog, into space. (Sputnik 1 : First Satellite in Space - Timeline Index) -
Explorer 1
The US launches its first satellite, Explorer 1, desinged by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. It was equipped with a Geiger counter that detected radiation belts around Earth. They were later renamed the Van Allen belts, after the scienteist who had designed the satellite's instruments. (Satellite Timeline, Society of Satellite Professionals International) -
Formation of NASA
The US Congress voted for the formation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which showed a national commitment to space exploration. (Timeline of Space Exploration.) -
Echo 1
The United States launched the first communications satellite, Echo 1. It was a very basic repeater satellite, which passively reflected radio signals. It became clear that an efficient communications satellite would require an active repeater. (Oberright) -
Courier 1B
Exactly 3 years after the launch of Sputnik 1, the US launched Courier 1B, the world's first active repeater satellite. This means that when it received a signal from Earth, it could send that same signal to a designated spot. In contrast to Echo 1, Courier 1B could send the signal to a specified spot. This forms the base for current satellite communications technology. (Satellite Timeline, Society of Satellite Professionals International) -
Vostok 1
The Soviet Union launched Vostok 1 with the first cosmonaut on baord, Yuri Gagarin. Gagarin spent a day in space, becoming the first person to leave the Earth's lower atmosphere. (Satellite Timeline, Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church) -
UN Action
The United Nations general assembly adopted resolution 1721, which allowed for the free use of all regions of space by any nation. For example, there could be no law preventing Russia from flying satellites over the US, or vice-versa. (Satellite Timeline, Society of Satellite Professionals International) -
Telstar 1
Telstar 1, developed by Bell Laboratories, marked the beginning of commercial satellites. It carried the first television images across the Atlantic Ocean, and mediated the first satellite phone call between two AT&T managers. (Satellite Timeline, Society of Satellite Professionals International) -
Apollo 11 Landing
Neil Armstrong's "small step for man, giant leap for mankind" onto a natural satellite was broadcast "live via [artificial] satellite" to viewers on Earth, through Intelsat satellites. (Satellite Timeline, Society of Satellite Professionals International) -
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The 1970's
The 1970's saw many "firsts" for various nations; by the end of the decade, over 15 countries owned operating satellites. There were also many telecommunications developments that brought satellites naturally in to the world of television and broadcasting. (Satellite Timeline, Society of Satellite Professionals International) -
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The 1980's
During the 1980's, 7 more nations entered the world of satellites, including Bulgaria, Mexico and Israel. (Satellite Timeline, Society of Satellite Professionals International) -
Formation of SSPI
In 1983, the Society of Satellite Professionals International (at the time, it's name did not include "International") was formed. It promoted professional development in the new and promising satellite industry. (Satellite Timeline, Society of Satellite Professionals International) -
DirecTV
DirecTV was released, becoming the first television system to rely completely on satellite. The system consisted of an 18-inch satellite receiver, which picked up broadcasts from the powerful DBS-1 satellite. After the introduction of a second satellite to the system, DirecTV could offer 150 channels, in comparison to cable TV which offered only 30. (Satellite Timeline, Society of Satellite Professionals International) -
Boeing Connexion
Boeing intorduced Connexion, which provided broadband internet through satellites for passengers in-flight. (Satellite Timeline, Society of Satellite Professionals International) -
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Future- Space Junk Probes
In the next 5-10 years, there will be autonomous satellites probing for space junk, and sending it either out of Earth orbit or into a designated “rubbish orbit,” perhaps in the Van Allen belts. Satellites that are not to be treated as junk will be required to broadcast authentication signals, so that the probing satellites can recognize them as “non-junk.” -
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Energy Satellites
In the next 15-20 years, solar energy satellites will provide power for certain regions. Energy companies or the government could launch satellites equipped with very efficient solar panels into geostationary orbit. Scientists are already experimenting with wirelessly transmitting energy; once this research yields capable technology, such power satellites could beam collected energy back down to a receiver on Earth, which would then send the energy to the rest of the area the “normal” way. -
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Future- Satellite Hotels
In the next 20-30 years, orbiting homes and hotels will become standard, at least for the very rich. The lower stratosphere may become a popular vacation destination. Commercial satellite companies could launch large satellites with rooms large enough for a short stay. The satellites could rotate at the appropriate speed to mirror Earth's gravity, or they could be programmed for retrograde rotation to cancel the effects of the orbit, thereby creating a zerp-gravity environment. (cont) -
Continuation
Even more luxurious, residents could control the gravity in their room. The different rooms would rotate independently, so Bill Gates could sit comfortably with 1G upstairs, while Warren Buffet could float downstairs to 0G. However, similar rotating hotels on Earth (in Dubai, or course) already have outlandish prices, so it may be awhile before space hotels are financially practical.
