LogFAQs > #942269851

Echo 1 and 2 were the first passive communications satellites launched by the US. They were literally just metalized balloons that acted as reflectors for microwave signals. Echo 1 remained in orbit for almost 8 years, Echo 2 lasted nearly 5-1/2 years. Echo 1 was 100 feet in diameter and weighed 146 pounds at launch, Echo 2 was 135 feet. Echo 1 was made of Mylar, while Echo 2 was made of Mylar sandwiched between two layers of aluminum foil which gave the satellite a rigid surface allowing it to retain its shape once inflated without having to maintain internal pressure as Echo 1 required.



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Minutus cantorum, minutus balorum,
Minutus carborata descendum pantorum.