History of Satellite Systems Technology (SST)

6 Questions

What year was SST founded?

1967

What project did the Meade brothers work on before founding SST?

Gemini program

What critical role did SST play in the Apollo program?

Developed the Apollo Guidance Computer

In which decade did SST shift its focus from hardware to software?

1980s

What was one of the early areas of expansion for SST after the Apollo missions?

Satellite manufacturing and operations

What was the primary focus of SST during the 1980s?

Developing software for satellite control centers

Study Notes

SST History

Satellite Systems Technology (SST) is a company with roots dating back to the early days of American space exploration. Founded by Merritt C. Meade and his brother Clint Meade, SST has been involved in various aspects of the U.S. space program since its establishment.

Early Beginnings

The Meade brothers founded SST in 1967 after their time working on the Gemini program, which was NASA's first two-man spacecraft. Their experience with this project laid the groundwork for SST's involvement in the development of the Apollo Guidance Computer, which played a critical role in landing astronauts on the moon.

Expansion and Growth

In the years following the Apollo missions, SST continued to grow, expanding into new areas such as satellite manufacturing and operations. By the mid-1970s, SST had become one of the leading suppliers of components used in early communications satellites, including those launched by NASA and military organizations.

During the 1980s, SST experienced rapid growth in response to increased demand for satellite technology solutions. This period saw the company shift its focus from hardware to software, developing operating systems and applications for satellite control centers and other users of space data.

Recent Developments

In recent times, SST has continued to innovate and adapt to changes in the industry. For instance, in the late 1990s, the company began offering services related to advanced satellite technology, such as high-throughput and broadband communication systems.

More recently, SST has made significant progress in the area of laser communications, achieving breakthroughs in the development of low-cost laser terminals that can transmit large volumes of data over long distances. This technology holds great potential for improving satellite network performance and capacity.