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The world today heavily relies on man-made satellites for various tasks, including long-distance video calls, phone conversations, and even watching sports events at restaurants. These satellites play a crucial role in ensuring smooth communication. It is fascinating to think about how far we have come since the launch of the very first communications satellite, Telstar 1, in July 1962. But the question remains, is Telstar 1 still floating in Earth’s orbit?

The answer is yes. Telstar 1, weighing 171kg and about the size of a large beach ball, continues to orbit Earth even after 61 years since its launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida, USA. Its elliptical orbit around our planet is one of the reasons for its longevity. This satellite holds significant historical importance as it was the first privately developed satellite, built by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) to test communication features in space.

Telstar 1 accomplished several milestones following its launch. Besides relaying faxes and phone calls, it facilitated the first live long-distance television broadcast, connecting the United States and France. Additionally, it carried out scientific experiments to measure the distribution of protons and electrons in the Van Allen Belts. The Van Allen Belts are regions where charged particles from the Sun are captured by Earth’s magnetic field.

Interestingly, an artificial radiation belt caused by the Starfish Prime nuclear bomb test led to Telstar 1’s deactivation in February 1963. This radiation belt exposed the satellite to prolonged radiation, rendering it inoperable. Nevertheless, Telstar 1 still silently orbits the Earth and can be observed on a clear dark night with binoculars, provided you know where to look.

Telstar 1’s enduring presence in space serves as a testament to human ingenuity and the advancements made in satellite technology over the years. It paved the way for the countless communication satellites that now form an integral part of our modern world.

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