Each Transit satellite contained quartz crystals. Set in an electrical circuit, a crystal resonator vibrates regularly and becomes an oscillator to control radio frequencies. Transmitting at a constant frequency was essential for Transit to work.
Caption:
Set in an electrical circuit, a crystal resonator vibrates regularly and becomes an oscillator to control radio frequencies.
Type: Artifact
Image Date: 2012
Credit: National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Origin: National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
