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"In this century, I have bounced sensitive whispers off the moon, and guided manmade moons in orbit around our earth. For the first time ever, I have cupped my ears and listened to satellites. My far reaching voice can now reach across the vast expanse of space. I can guide rockets and missiles ... I can do that and more. I am the Signal Corps..." - I AM THE SIGNAL CORPS by Samuel Barnes
| Until a quarter of a century ago, the term "Satellite."
in its primary definition. pertained to a small secondary planet revolving
around a larger one, such as the Moon around the Earth.
No "man-made" satellites did exist and reference to such contrivances could be found only in science fiction stories of space ventures or, later on, in visionary predictions of future technological conquests. But in 1957 the first man-made satellite was suddenly circling the earth and it inaugurated the fascinating era of scientific exploration and practical utilization of space. Since then more than 2000 satellites have been played into orbit by a dozen countries with the US and the USSR providing the lion's share and at least 1000 are still whirling around the earth with their payloads in functioning order. |
Using the services of satellites for global communications of every
thinkable mode - weather forecasting and many other civilian and military
goals - has by now become a matter of daily routine which we take for granted.
For the presently growing-up generation of Signal Corps personnel, most
of whom were born into this space age, all this represents merely the state
of the art at the outset of their careers - the starting point from which,
no doubt, more marvels of technological evolution will develop during-
their spans of life.
To fully comprehend the sentiments and excitement which ring from the recollections of General H. McD. Brown,* the Commander of the Fort Monmouth Signal * TAC will publish Gen. Brown's recollections
in the Winter issue.
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