Satellite TV 50 years Old today (12 July 2012)

Satellite TV is 50 years old, the first broadcast via satellite signal beamed down from space on the 12 July1962.

Telstar 1 launch Image Credit: NASA

Telstar 1, was a  collaboration between Bell Telephone laboratories, AT&T and NASA,  launched on the 10th July 1962.  Transmission of the first satellite tv signal and program broadcast  occurred two days later.  


The satellite began to malfunction 23 November 1962 , was turned off and then re activated on the 4th January 1963.  Telstar 1's onboard electronics finally failed  21 February 1963.  






Telstar 2 was launched 7th May 1963 and was in operation until May 1965.