Extra Class Exam Questions - Part 7. Amateur radio in space: amateur satellites, orbital mechanics, frequencies and modes, satellite hardware, satellite operations. Download YouTube
I know that's a replica of the OSCAR-1 under museum lighting... but I'll be darned if I don't think "cardboard box wrapped in duct-tape" whenever I see that picture.
Remember that the very FIRST ANIMAL IN SPACE was a PUP named "LEIKA"!!! The RUSSIANS REALLY CAUGHT THE U.S.A with their "SPACE PANTS DOWN" and our first attempt to launch a satetlite into space (VANGUARD) BLEW UP ON THE LAUNCH-PAD!!! But "WE LEARNED QUICKLY"!!! We got to the MOON WITH MEN, WHILE THE "RUSSKIs NEVER DID!!!".
The electronics was made by hams who worked at Philco...I knew most of them, I worked there in 1961. The transmitter was designed by the late Charles Smallhouse ( then WA6MGZ).