rca

The Satcom series was a family of communications satellites originally developed and operated by RCA American Communications (RCA Americom). Satcom was one of the early geostationary satellites; the first were the Syncom series, in 1964. The first Satcom satellite, Satcom 1, was launched on December 13, 1975. The last satellite, Satcom K2, was placed into orbit on November 27, 1985 and was de-orbited in February 2002. Satcom was first superseded and then replaced by the GE series of satellites.

The Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS), a significant activity of the Space Communications
Program, provides for the development and flight test of high-risk, advanced communications satellite technology. Using
multiple spot beam antennas and advanced on-board switching and processing systems, ACTS is pioneering new
initiatives in communications satellite technology.

Deployed on STS-51