History of Satellite Television

Arthur C. Clarke writes the article that is the beginning of satellite television.

Nov 9, 1945

Mr. Clarke also wrote, "2001, A Space Odyssey" and had no idea that he would have a very powerful influence on the future of communications.

Russia launches Sputnik, the World's first satellite, using Clarke's innovative idea.

Oct 4, 1957

Arthur Clarke said that if you can put three space platforms in special orbit around earth you can acheive global communications. It just so happened that Russia acted on his words before anyone else.

America answers Russia's call by launching Explorer I.

Jan 1, 1958

The vessel carried a small scientific bundle which helped discover the magnetic radiation belts around earth.

NASA founded due to America's International Geophysical Year.

Jul 12, 1958

Before satellite Tv homes were entertained by cable television that was recieved by local antennas.

Dec 15, 1960

There were over a million homes in the country with cable antennas by 1963. Similar to the satellite it recieves a signal sent from a station that then emits a picture on the television. Only difference is that with satellite it sends a signal from space.

Home Box Office (HBO) initiated the first ever satellite delivery of a show to cable, the boxing match "The Thiller from Manila".

May 6, 1976

First satellite tv system (DTH) for consumers was created in a garage of a professor and former NASA scientist at Stanford University.

Jul 18, 1976

NASA scientist Emeritus H. T. Howard started to manufacture the first satellite tv recievers and co-founded Chaperral Communications Inc. which soon became a 50 million dollar company. Satellite Television only went up from there.

Aug 25, 1976