Early Bird, Card No 18 (RaceIntoSpace 1971)
From The Brighton Toy and Model Index
Jump to navigationJump to search
.jpg)
Card No. 18: Early Bird
Following successful trials, the world’s first commercial communications satellite was launched from Cape Kennedy on April 6, 1965. On June 28 of that year, from its position 22,300 miles above the Atlantic, it began relaying telephone calls and live television programmes between Europe and North America.
Noteworthy events included coverage of the two-man Gemini spacecraft launches and recoveries, the interchange of stock-exchange prices, and information leading to the arrest of a Canadian criminal.
The satellite was switched out of service in 1969.
