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NASA FA CTS
An Educational Services Publication of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(C-S-63)

PROJECT SYNCOM
W63 18423

Three fixed synchronous communications satellites, equidistant around the equator, could provide
global coverage.

The United States has begun a space experi-
ment that could lead to a global communications
network using as few as three active-repeater
satellites. The project is called Syncom, short
for synchronous communications satellite.
A stnchronous satellite is defined as one which
moves in a circular orbit with a period equal to
that of the earth's rotation (24 hours). More-
over, if the satellite is moving in a west to east
direction and its orbit lies in the plane of the
earth's equator, the satellite will be stationary
with respect to the earth's surface.'
The coverage at synchronous altitude (22,300
miles) is so vast that one communications satellite
over the Atlantic Ocean would link the greater
parts of four continents-North and South Ameri-
ca, Europe, and Africa. As few as three syn-
chronous satellites, effectively controlled and
equally spaced in a circular orbit over the equa-
tor, could serve almost the whole world.
Other experiments in satellite communications
are aimed at operational networks using satellites
randomly spaced in orbits from several thousand
to 12,000 miles above earth. As many as 50
such satellites would be needed to match the
coverage of a synchronous system. (See NASA
FACTS, Project Relay, G-12-62.)
Syncom represents the initial attempt at getting
and keeping a satellite in synchronous orbit. Al-
though a stationary orbit is desirable for an op-
erational communications satellite system, the first
Syncom, while synchronous, is not stationary; its
orbit is inclined 33 degrees to the equator. This
is because the Delta vehicle used for the project
does not have the energy capability required to
I Page 2

transfer the satellite from the inclined o rbit, re-

(NASA FACTS C-S-63)

sulting from location of the launch site, to a sta-

tionary equatorial orbit.

COMPLEX FLIGHT PLAN USES

"APOGEE KICK"
In the Syncom flight plan, a Delta launch ve-
hicle rockets the spacecraft from Cape Canaveral,
Florida, into a long elliptical orbit beginning 170
miles above earth. This altitude is the perigee
or lowest point of the orbit.

On February 1, 1963, the Space Communications

Corporation received a certificate of incorporation from
the District of Columbia Superintendent of Corporations.
The firm, which was authorized by Congress on Au-
gust 31, 1962, will set up and operate a network for
global transmission via satellite of television, teleprint,
telephone, and other communicCltions.

Syncom with apogee motor firing is superimposed

upon a simulated space background.

Part of Syncom is a small solid rocket termed

Sketch of Syncom launch plan leading to injection
into near-synchronous orbit over southern Mada-
gascar. The satellite's final position, however,
is over the Atlantic Ocean.
Syncom's velocity upon injection into elliptical
orbit is 33,550 feet per second (fps). This enor-
mous speed enables the spacecraft to coast up-
ward. The satellite gradually slows as it climbs.
About 51f4 hours after launch, Syncom attains
apogee-its greatest distance from earth-which
is about 22,300 miles. Its velocity is then about
4800 fps. If not further accelerated, Syncom
would curve back toward earth, dipping to peri-
gee before again beginning to climb.
But at this point, a spaceman's technique
called an "apogee kick" is utilized.
the apogee motor. It is designed so that, when
fired at apogee, it kicks Syncom from its initial
elliptical path into a near-circular orbit about
22,300 miles above earth. The rocket is ignited
by a timing device aboard the satellite or by
ground command.
When its apogee motor stops firing, Syncom
is in near-synchronous orbit moving at somewhat
more or less than 10,087 fps, which is the speed
needed for a synchronous orbit. The satellite is
thrust into this orbit at a point over southern
Madagascar off the east coast of Africa.
DELICATE CORRECTIONS ADJUST
SYNCOM'S POSITION
Admittedly, Syncom's location over Madagas-
car is less than ideal for the scheduled communi-
cations experiments between surface facilities on
different sides of the Atlantic Ocean. For the
tests, Syncom must be over the Atlantic Ocean
between South America and Africa.
(NASA FACTS C-5-63)
"X" marks approximate location of Syncom after
apogee rocket firing. Figure 8 shows points
over which Syncom moves after stabilization at
about 25 degrees west longitude.
The satellite's orbital elements are checked to
determine which of two courses to follow:
1) If Syncom's velocity is less than that needed
for synchronism, the satellite does not keep pace
with the turning earth. Since it is drifting west-
ward relative to the earth's surface, no adjust-
ments are made until it reaches the target
location.
2) If Syncom's speed is more than that re-
quired for synchronism, it is outpacing the earth's
rotation and drifting eastward relative to the
earth's surface. Ground controllers employ the
satellite's gas propellant system to slow down
the spacecraft and reverse its direction of drift.
The technique for cutting back a satellite's
speed is not comparable to braking an automo-
bile. Movement of objects in space is governed
by the laws of celestial mechanics. One law is
that the higher a satellite's attitude, the slower
Page 3
1
its average speed. Another is that increasing a
I
satellite's velocity drives it into an orbit of higher
altitude.
As a result, although a seeming ·paradox,
I
ground controllers must command an increase in
the satellite's forward speed to throw it into re-
verse relative to the earth's surface.
About two weeks after launch, Syncom reaches
its targeted location over the Atlantic Ocean.
The spacecraft's gas propellant systems are gin-
gerly operated by ground command to achieve
final corrections of velocity and attitude (orienta-
tion). (See SIMPLIFIED STABILIZATION AND
CONTROL SYSTEM BEING TESTED, below.)
When finally set, experimental Syncom makes
an earth track resembling a slender figure 8 cen-
tered at approximately 25 degrees west longi-
tude and ranging from 33 degrees north to 33
degrees south latitude. The figure's cross-over
point is on the equator.
A synchronous satellite takes as long to revolve
around the globe as it takes the earth to make a com-
plete turn on its axis (24 hours). To do so, the satellite
must move west to east at a mean altitude of 22,300
miles.
The statianary ar fixed synchronous satellite has a
circular orbit in the same plane as the earth's equator.
(A satellite's orbital plane may be imagined as a flat
plate passing through the center of the earth. The
plate's rim is the satellite's arbit.) Like the point on a
wheel rim to the nearest paint on the hub, this satellite
is fixed over one spot on earth. To an observer on the
ground, the satellite appears to stand still.
The ~ synchronous satellite has a circular orbit
whose plane is at an angle to the equatorial plane.
This kind of satellite makes a ground track like a slender
figure 8. The top and bottom points of the figure are
at northern and southern latitudes corresponding to the
degree of inclination from the equator. The center
of the figure is over the equator.
An operational communications system would aim for
stationary rather than inclined synchronous satellites.
Syncom's inclined synchronous orbit (see box,
page 3) is not the ultimate intended for opera-
tional communications satellites. However, it
provides experience in getting, keeping, and
operating communications satellites in synchro-
nous orbit, while permitting use of the relatively
economical Delta launch vehicle.
 T
Page 4 (NASA FACTS C-5-63)

Some Facts and Figures on Three Active-Repeater Communications Satellite Projects

( Active-repeater satellites contain equipment to receive, amplify, and transmit radio signals. They differ from passive communications
satellites such as Echo in that the latter function simply as mirrors for reflection of radio signals.)

RELAY TElSTAR SYNCOM

Commun icati ons Equipment
Transm itting Power (watts) . 10 2~ 2
Receiving Frequency (megacycles) . 1725 6390 7360
Transm itting Frequency (megacycles) . . 4 170 4170 1815
Number of Systems .. . . . . . . . . . . . . Dual Single Dual
Number of Ground Stations that Can Com- Two' Two' Two'
municate via Satellite at one time .
Capacity . O ne telecast , 12 simul - One telecast, One two-way telephone
taneous two-way tele- 60 simultaneous two- call or equivalent in
phone calls, o r eqlliv- way telephone calls, teleprint or
alent in other or equivalent in facsimile .
communication . other communication .
Construction
Shape ... . Eight-sided prism Spherical Cylindrical

Size 33 inches long 34 V2-inch diameter 28-inch d iameter

29 inches maximum breadth 25-inch height

Weight (pounds ) . 172 170 150 (including 90-pound

apogee rocket molar)
Power Supply
Number of Solar Cells . 8215 3600 3840
Power Generation of Solar Cells (watts) .. 45 14 25
Battery Capacity (walt hours) . 225 160 34
launch Vehicle .... De lta Delta Delta
Orb it
Perigee (statute miles) .. 820 593 22,300
Apogee (statute miles) ... 4612 3503 22,300
Period .. 3 hrs. 5 min. 2 hr>. 38 min . 24 hrs.
First launch . December 13, 1962 July 10, 1962 February 14, 1962
• A number of telephone calls con take place si multaneously but they would all hove to be routed between the some two stations. Advanced satellites
will be designed so that mony stations con hove access to them at one time.

Hydrogen peroxide gas is pumped into a Syncom COUNTERACTING ENVIRONMENTAL FORCES

fuel tank.
Phenomena such as lunar and solar gravity
and the off-center position of the earth's mass
signiflcant1ly influence Syncom's motion. Re-
ports on disturbances of the satellite's speed and
attitude are conveyed to ground personnel who
send appropriate corrective commands to the
satellite's gas systems.

SIMPLIFIED STABILIZATION AND CONTROL

SYSTEM BEING TESTED
Accurate steering and stabilization of many
spacecraft have depended upon such complex
systems as three-axis attitude controls. The ap-
proach to stabilization and control in Project Syn-
com is to use a spin-stabilized spacecraft, with
control in orbit exercised by two pairs of gas jets.
Through use of this system, it is possible to de-
velop a light-weight satellite of relatively simple
design.

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f - -(NASA -FACTS C-5-63) . Page 5
A spacecraft is spin-stabilized when it rotates
like a gyroscope. This spinning keeps the satel-
lite pointing steadily in a given direction. In ef-
fect, a spin-stabilized spacecraft such as Syncom
is a gyroscope that has no bearings that can
wear out and reduce its precision.
Syncom's whirl is started by spinning a turn-
table located between the second and third stages
of the Delta launch vehicle. Just before the third
stage is fired, this device rotates the rocket up to
160 revolutions per minute. The rocket im-
parts its spin to the spacecraft.
Speed and attitude are controlled after inser-
tion into synchronous orbit by two pairs of gas
jets. One pair is located at the same end of
the spacecraft as the apogee-kick rocket, and
these are called the axial jets because they exert
a thrust parallel to the spin axis, which runs from
the communications antenna to the apogee rocket
motor. (See labeled photograph, page 8.) A
spin axis is an imaginary line around which a spin-
Syncom's air-transportable 30-foot diameter an-
tenna set up at Lakehurst Naval Air Station,
New Jersey .
ning object rotates. The other pair of jets is
located on the curved surface of Syncom, on op-
posite sides.
Because the axial jets are off center, pulsing
either of them whenever it is pointing in a given
direction can reorient Syncom. Since the satel-
lite spins, a sustained flow of gas from the jet
neutralizes all forces tending to reorient the
satellite and results in changes of Syncom's orbi-
tal velocity. Whether the satellite picks up or
reduces speed depends upon whether the jet is
pointed with or against the direction of Syncom' s
linear motion .
The axial jets are generally employed for
movement of Sync om from over the Indian Ocean
to over the Atlantic Ocean. They are also used
for attitude control of Syncom .
When Syncom is on station over the Atlantic,
its attitude is reoriented so that its spin axis is
perpendicular to its orbital plane. The pair of
jets that are opposite each other on Syncom's
curved surface are then used for velocity correc-
tion. Each exerts a force through the satellite's
center of gravity and perpendicular to its spin
axis. As a result, pulsing one of the jets when-
ever it is pointed in the proper direction can
either increase or decrease Syncom's speed.
The USNS Kingsport which serves as a ground radio
facility for Project Syncom . Its 30-foot diameter
antenna for communications experiments is
housed by a radome that is transparent to radio
signals . In background are antennas used for
telemetry and for command of Syncom .
Page 6
Engineers check fully assembled Syncom. The
spacecraft is covered with 3840 solar cells that
change sunlight to electric power.
Commands to the gas propellant systems are
determined through analysis of data from solar
sensors and other equipment. These indicate
such key information as the spacecraft's speed,
attitude, and spin angle. Ground personnel are
aided in quickly analyzing this information by a
rotating drum whose movement is synchronized
with the spinning satellite.
MESSAGES RELAYED BETWEEN
TRANSPORTABLE GROUND ST AllONS
Telephone calls, teleprint (as on a typewriter),
and facsimiles (photo reproductions) are relayed
via Syncom between an air-transportable radio
station at Lakehurst Naval Air Station, New
Jersey, and a ship-board facility on the USNS
Kingsport anchored in the harbor of Lagos, Ni-
geria. A permanent type back-up station is at
Fort Dix, New Jersey. The Departmen t of De-
fense provides these ground stations and con-
ducts communications tests under NASA direction.
(NASA FACTS C-5-63)
The Idea of a communications network using syn-
chronous sotellites was first presented b y Arthur C.
Clarke of the British Interplanetary Society. His article ,
"Extraterrestrial Relays," in the October 1945 issue of
Wireless World outlined a synchronous communications
satellite system in which "three stations would ensure
complete coverage of the globe."
One of the purposes of Project Syncom is the
development of transportable ground terminals
for communications satellite networks. The
transportable facilities tested in this experiment
have 30-foot diameter parabolic antennas and
20-kilowatt transmitters. The back-up terminal
at Fort Dix is a permanent installatio n with a 60-
foot dish and 20-kilowatt output.
SPACECRAFT RESEMBLES DRUM
Drum-shaped, Syncom is 28 inches in diameter
and 25 inches high. Projecting from one end is
the antenna used in communications experiments.
Jutting from the other end are Syncom's apogee
rocket nozzle and four antennas, arrayed like a
turnstile. These antennas are part of the com-
mand and telemetry systems .
Structurally, the satellite is made up of two
unii's. The outer one holds the solar cells, most
of the electronics, and the gas propellant sys-
tems. It is attached to a ribbed frame that is in
turn joined to an inner cylinder. Mounted on
the inner cylinder are the apogee motor and the
remaining electronic equipment.
The outside cylinder of Syncom is covered
with 3840 solar cells that convert sunlight to 25
watts of electrical power. The cells are partially
protected from radiation damage by thin strips
of quartz glass. Two rechargeable nickel cad-
mium batteries store power from the solar cells.
The batteries provide power during eclipse.
Syncom is purely experimental; its capacity is
one telephone call or its equivalent in teleprint
and facsimile. The satellite picks up signals at
7360 mc and broadcasts at 1 815 mc. Two dif-
ferent frequencies are used to avoid interference
of incoming with outgoing signals.
 .. - ._.- ---_... --- .. _._- - -
(NASA FACTS C-5-63) Page 7

Telemetry signals are received at NASA Mini-

track ground stations, at Lakehurst and aboard
the Kingsport. Information is funneled to
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt,
Maryland, where it is processed and where
proper commands to the satellite are determined.

Control of Syncom's attitude and speed in syn-

chronous orbit is exercised through two kinds of
gas propellant systems-one fueled by hydrogen
peroxide and the other by nitrogen. Hydrogen
perox:de produces more thrust per pound of fuel
than nitrogen, but nitrogen is easier to control.
As a result, hydrogen peroxide is generally em-
ployed for gross changes in satellite velocity and
orientation; nitrogen, for fine adjustments.

The hydrogen peroxide system can be em-

ployed either in pulses or as a sustained push.
The nitrogen system is used only i n pulses. The
propellants are stored under pressure in small
tanks. They are released by operation of sole-
noid valves feeding the jet nozzles.

One of two identical communications transponders

(equipment for receiving, amplifying, and trans-
mitting radio signals) in the Syncom satellite .
Side view of Syncom's antenna pattern_ Seen
head-on, the pattern would resemble a pancake
with a hole in its center .

When Syncom reaches its final position over

the Atlantic, it is turned so that its spin axis is
perpendicular to the orbital plane. The satellite
is oriented this way to train its radio beam on
earth. The beam is shaped like a pancake with
its edge pointed toward earth.

The satellite has dual communications, com-

mand, and telemetry systems. This redundancy
is one way of increasing a spacecraft's reliabil-
ity. If a component fails, another can take its
place.

The command system enables ground person-

nel to operate the gas propellant systems, apo-
gee rocket, and communications and telemetry
Syncom is the first satellite designed to relay radio
equipment. Telemetry tells how the satellite is
signals between North America and Africa.
functioning, how it is oriented, and the status of
its electric power and its gas supplies.
Page 8 (NASA FACTS C-5- 63)

TRANSPONDER RECEIVER
NITROGEN,
ORIENTATION JET NITROGEN
VELOCITY JET
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE TANK
NICKEL-CADMIUM
BATTERIES
CO -AXIAL SLOTTED ARRAY
COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA

TRANSPONDER-
TRANSM IT TER
TWT

TELEMETRY AND
COMMAND WHIP
ANTENNA
COMMAND
RECE IVER

NITROGEN
GAS TANK

TERMINATION TIMER
SUN
SENSOR

APOGEE
MOTOR NOZZLE

Part s of the internal electronics a nd g as p ropellant system a re among equipment revealed in view of
Syncom ' s interio r.

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