NASA Experimental Communications Satellites Contents NASA has been active in the development of the communications satellite from the founding of the agency in 1958 to the present day. Communications has been the most successful commercial enterprise in space. Of the hundreds of communications satellites sent into orbit, around 150 are operational today. To enable this success, NASA has launched several experimental satellites to develop the technology needed for commercial applications. NASA has been active in the development of the communications satellite from the founding of the agency in 1958 to the present day.
Communication is the most successful commercial enterprise in space.
Of the hundreds of communications satellites sent into orbit, approximately 150 are operational today. To enable this success, NASA has launched several experimental satellites to develop the technology needed for commercial applications. The Echo satellites were large metallized balloons that served as passive reflectors of radio signals. Passive satellites were not attractive for commercial use because the reflected signal is so weak. Technicians check-out the Echo satellite payload.