Page 17 - Italy In Space
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Telecommunication Satellites [2]
September 13, 1977. Launch of OTS (Orbital Test Satellite) from Cape Canaveral. OTS-1 was an
experimental satellite system that ESA inherited from ESRO. The satellite structure was designed and
built by Aeritalia. It got lost at launch due to the malfunction of the NASA Delta launcher.
Commemorative cover postmarked at CC on the day of launch. A rubber stamp reminds the failure.
May 11, 1978. The replacement OTS-2 satellite is successfully launched from KSC atop a Delta
rocket. It becomes one the first geostationary communications satellites to carry six Ku-band
transponders and is capable of handling 7,200 telephone circuits. Under British Aerospace as Main
Contractor, Aeritalia designed and implemented the satellite‟s primary structure.
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