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The History of Satellite Technology
It all started in 1957 when the Soviet Union
launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite. In 1958 the United
States followed suit by launching a small scientific satellite named
Explorer I. This was the dawn of the space age and the beginning of
satellite communication. In the 1960's the technology of satellite
communication was further advanced with dozens of new satellites being
launched into orbit. The first successful communications satellite was Syncom II launched by the US in 1963. In 1973, the Canadian satellite Anik
I gave Canada the first satellite television network. Since then there
have been numerous improvements in satellite performance and reliability
leading to the incredible satellite technology that we have today. The
History of Satellite TV
Satellite Television began in the late 70's when companies like HBO
began broadcasting their signals to cable companies. Soon after, companies
took advantage of this by selling satellite TV dishes to capture the signals.
You paid for the equipment but then had basically
free satellite TV.
The major networks began encrypting their signals in the early to mid 80's
which cut down on much of the free satellite programs available. Satellite
TV viewers would know have to buy a descrambler box to view satellite
television. In the early 90's many companies began launching satellites
and getting into the satellite TV market. For example you had Primestar,
then Direct TV and finally Dish Network. The History of Satellite
Internet
Satellite internet began with regular internet in the 1960's
when it was developed as a communication system for
government. Universities and laboratories were given access to this
internet network so that they could easily and quickly exchange information. Soon
the general public became aware of the system. In the late 80' s and early
90's the government began cutting funding for the internet and released
much of its control over the system. Soon ISP's began providing internet
access to the general public. Speeds have greatly increased since its
inception. From dial up to DSL, to Cable, and finally to
satellite internet. The History of Satellite Radio
XM radio launched their satellite radio service in 2001. Sirius followed suit a short
time later. Both of these companies are hoping that people will flock to
satellite radio from terrestrial radio like people flocked to cable from
regular television. So far, they have both been successful at luring
customers but it remains to be seen what the future holds for
satellite
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