NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

On March 22, 1956, preliminary satellite tracking tests began in a field near JPL. The antenna is being assembled in the photo above. The prototype Microlock ground receiving station included the antenna, instrumentation built into a 25-foot van, generators, and other equipment. Less than two years later, the Microlock receiving station helped tracked the successful orbit of Explorer 1.

Less than two years later, the Microlock receiving station helped tracked the successful orbit of Explorer 1.

Image courtesy: NASA/JPL-Caltech

JPL photo number 331-2426A

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