National Geographic : 1957 Dec
810 National Geographic Photographer Bates Littlehales Tiny Test Sphere, Forerunner of the U.S. Satellite, Takes Power from the Sun Prior to launching a full-scale, 21'-pound satellite, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory plans to loft four of these 3 4 -pound balls into the sky to test rocketry and radios. Naval scientist Roger Easton, one of the designers, holds the first of the four with its pedestal. The aluminum orb spans 6.4 inches. Its six foot-long antennas serve two separate radio transmitters. One operates on short-lived conventional batteries, the other on six solar-battery units behind the windowed openings. If by chance the sphere achieves an orbit, the solar cells will make it possible to hear and track the world-circling orb for years. of many satellites of one of many suns. Now, as man has begun to put up true satellites of his own, he is in a way making himself the center of a universe of his own creation. Furthermore, in view of more and bigger satellites to come and of the feasibility of making the space around us into our labora tory, we may be said to be extending the area we control. Thus we are in a way ex tending our earth. Consider all these things and you may find that to describe the IGY satellite program as man's greatest achievement in a hundred years is not saying too much. It may, in fact, turn out to be an under statement. Notice of change of address for your NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE should be received in the offices of the National Geographic Society by the first of the month to affect the following month's issue. For instance, if you desire the address changed for your February number, The Society should be notified of your new address not later than January first. Be sure to include your postal-zone number.