On March 22, 1956, preliminary satellite tracking tests began in a field near the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. 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.
On March 22, 1956, preliminary satellite tracking tests began in a field near the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. 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 track the successful orbit of Explorer 1.Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
JPL photo number 331-2426A