Quartz Resonator for Transit Satellites

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.
Creator: Eric Long
NASM2012-02136
Innovations
Navigation Methods
 

nasm2012-02136.jpg

Set in an electrical circuit, a crystal resonator vibrates regularly and becomes an oscillator to control radio frequencies.