The first U.S. communications satellite to amplify radio and TV signals was named Telstar. Telstar was launched into space on July 10, 1962, and it revolutionized the way people communicated over long distances. This pioneering satellite was able to amplify signals and transmit them across the Atlantic Ocean, allowing for live television broadcasts and telephone calls between the United States and Europe. Telstar was a joint project between AT&T, Bell Labs, NASA, and the British General Post Office. It was the first satellite to be used for commercial telecommunications and paved the way for future advancements in satellite technology. The success of Telstar marked the beginning of the modern era of satellite communication. Telstar was a cylindrical satellite that measured about 34.5 inches in diameter and weighed approximately 170 pounds. It was equipped with solar panels to generate power and had a series of antennas to send and receive signals. Telstar was able to relay signals between ground stations in Andover, Maine, and Goonhilly Downs, England, allowing for the transmission of television broadcasts, telephone calls, and fax messages. The launch of Telstar was a historic moment in the field of communications technology, as it demonstrated the potential of satellites to facilitate global communication. Telstar remained operational for only a few months, but it laid the foundation for the development of future communications satellites. Today, satellite technology continues to play a crucial role in global communication networks. Satellites are used for a wide range of applications, including television broadcasting, internet connectivity, weather forecasting, and military communications. The legacy of Telstar lives on in the countless satellites that now orbit the Earth, providing essential services to people around the world. To learn more about the history of Telstar and its impact on communications technology, you can visit websites such as [NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/) or [AT&T](https://about.att.com/). These resources offer detailed information about the development of Telstar and its significance in the evolution of satellite communication.

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