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Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Satellite Tracking Program.
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Satellite Tracking Station program records, 1953-1968.
This record unit consists mostly of records documenting the administration and operation of the STP tracking stations and includes files on the stations kept by the Photographic Observation Section, 1956-1961; SOD, 1961-1965; and STADAD, 1965-1968. The station files consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence and memoranda, reports, and technical data concerning satellite tracking operations; station fiscal matters; the construction and maintenance of station buildings and facilities; conferences and meetings held at the stations; the procurement of equipment and supplies for the stations; station personnel; and special projects conducted at each station. Also included are administrative records of SOD and STADAD, station files and administrative records of the Engineering Section of SOD and STADAD, mostly concerning the operation of the Baker-Nunn tracking cameras at each station; station financial statements; and records documenting relations between SAO and foreign countries or states where tracking stations were located.
Many of the files in this record unit are arranged in a numerical-subject records management system instituted at SAO around 1964. In the system, records were assigned a number code based on subject classification and filed numerically. Often records prior to 1964 were refiled using the numerical-subject system. Retrieval of records using the system is difficult.
Created in 1956 as part of the International Geophysical Year, the Satellite Tracking Program (STP) of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) was a world-wide network of stations responsible for the optical tracking of satellites. From 1956 until June 1959, the program was funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. In July 1959, funding was assumed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The goal of STP was to obtain photographs of satellites sufficient in number and accuracy to allow the determination of highly precise orbits.
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Satellite Tracking Program.
Astrophysical observatories.
Albers, Harry.
Brock, Richard C.
Coffey, Jack A.
Hagge, Carl W.
Henize, Karl G.
Hsia, John I.
Rolff, Jan.
United States. Air Force
United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Satellite Tracking Program.
AIP-ICOS
Smithsonian Institution. Archives. Capital Gallery, Suite 3000, MRC 507, 600 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024-2520, USA
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