Rare 1:8 scale NASA education model of the Applications Technology Satellite (ATS-1), measuring 14″ in length and suspended atop a base to a height of 18″. Underside of satellite features two metal NASA labels: "U.S. Government Property, NASA, 0105, Aerospace Educ. Serv. Project" and "NASA Lewis, 0034, U.S. Govt. Property, Do Not Paint of Destroy." The black plastic base, 9″ x 12″ x .5″, features an affixed label, "Property of NASA-0103, University Foundation, California State University, Chico." Includes the original wooden storage box, 15″ x 22.5″ x 15″, with affixed NASA logos, and the cover marked in green paint, "15," and in white stenciling, "ATS M12." The front of the lid bears a metal NASA label: "U.S. Government Property, NASA, 0105." In very good to fine condition, with sections of the array antennas partially broken, and some light scuffs and chips to model; the storage box is in very good condition, with scattered wear and abrasions, and scratches to NASA label.
Launched on December 7, 1966, the Applications Technology Satellite (ATS-1) was the first satellite to use frequency division multiple access (FDMA) taking independently uplinked signals and converting them for downlink on a single carrier. ATS-1 also carried a black-and-white weather camera that transmitted the first full-disk Earth images from geostationary orbit (GEO). ATS-1 objectives were to test the experimental geostationary techniques of satellite orbit and motion, measure the orbital environment at 23,000 miles above the Earth's surface, and transmit meteorological information (imagery and data) to surface ground stations.
