Transit Satellite

This is a backup Transit 5-A satellite from the 1970s. Other versions of Transit carried different antennas and internal components.

Developed in the 1960s by the U.S. Navy, the Transit system grew to six satellites, gave worldwide coverage every 90 minutes, and provided position accuracy to within 200 meters (660 feet). Transit service was made available to commercial shipping in 1967 and operated until 1996.

Caption:
A backup Transit 5-A satellite from the 1970s.
Type: Artifact
Image Date: 2012
Credit: National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Origin: National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Creator: Mark Avino
Innovations
Navigation Methods
 

transit-satellite.jpg

A backup Transit 5-A satellite from the 1970s.