Signals detected from experimental satellite that failed in 1967
NASA has confirmed that the signals detected in 2016 do come from an experimental satellite, LES-1, that failed in 1967.
LES stands for Lincoln Experimental Satellite, and was the first in a series of test satellites built by MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory for the Air Force. It was launched on February 11, 1965. Though it was reported to be operating properly, it was placed in an incorrect orbit that made its experiments useless. It ceased transmissions in 1967 and was thought lost, until amateur astronomer Phil Williams picked up a signal in 2016.
Williams told Southgate Amateur Radio News that the signal he detected from his base in Cornwall seemed to cycle every four seconds, diminishing and returning to create an eerie repetitive sound.
It would later be determined that the fluctuation was the result of the long-lost satellite barreling end over end through the void of space, causing variations in the light reaching the solar panels that Gunter’s Space Page says likely now power the depleted batteries of this 65 lb (30 kg) relic of the space age.
Scientists are unclear as to how the satellite continues to operate — Williams himself expressed some uncertainty as to how the craft might continue to function given the particularly harsh environment of space and its tendency to destroy electronic equipment.
This story is nothing more than a curiosity, but a fine one nonetheless.
On Christmas Eve 1968 three Americans became the first humans to visit another world. What they did to celebrate was unexpected and profound, and will be remembered throughout all human history. Genesis: the Story of Apollo 8, Robert Zimmerman's classic history of humanity's first journey to another world, tells that story, and it is now available as both an ebook and an audiobook, both with a foreword by Valerie Anders and a new introduction by Robert Zimmerman.
The print edition can be purchased at Amazon or from any other book seller. If you want an autographed copy the price is $60 for the hardback and $45 for the paperback, plus $8 shipping for each. Go here for purchasing details. The ebook is available everywhere for $5.99 (before discount) at amazon, or direct from my ebook publisher, ebookit. If you buy it from ebookit you don't support the big tech companies and the author gets a bigger cut much sooner.
The audiobook is also available at all these vendors, and is also free with a 30-day trial membership to Audible.
"Not simply about one mission, [Genesis] is also the history of America's quest for the moon... Zimmerman has done a masterful job of tying disparate events together into a solid account of one of America's greatest human triumphs."--San Antonio Express-News
NASA has confirmed that the signals detected in 2016 do come from an experimental satellite, LES-1, that failed in 1967.
LES stands for Lincoln Experimental Satellite, and was the first in a series of test satellites built by MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory for the Air Force. It was launched on February 11, 1965. Though it was reported to be operating properly, it was placed in an incorrect orbit that made its experiments useless. It ceased transmissions in 1967 and was thought lost, until amateur astronomer Phil Williams picked up a signal in 2016.
Williams told Southgate Amateur Radio News that the signal he detected from his base in Cornwall seemed to cycle every four seconds, diminishing and returning to create an eerie repetitive sound.
It would later be determined that the fluctuation was the result of the long-lost satellite barreling end over end through the void of space, causing variations in the light reaching the solar panels that Gunter’s Space Page says likely now power the depleted batteries of this 65 lb (30 kg) relic of the space age.
Scientists are unclear as to how the satellite continues to operate — Williams himself expressed some uncertainty as to how the craft might continue to function given the particularly harsh environment of space and its tendency to destroy electronic equipment.
This story is nothing more than a curiosity, but a fine one nonetheless.
On Christmas Eve 1968 three Americans became the first humans to visit another world. What they did to celebrate was unexpected and profound, and will be remembered throughout all human history. Genesis: the Story of Apollo 8, Robert Zimmerman's classic history of humanity's first journey to another world, tells that story, and it is now available as both an ebook and an audiobook, both with a foreword by Valerie Anders and a new introduction by Robert Zimmerman.
The print edition can be purchased at Amazon or from any other book seller. If you want an autographed copy the price is $60 for the hardback and $45 for the paperback, plus $8 shipping for each. Go here for purchasing details. The ebook is available everywhere for $5.99 (before discount) at amazon, or direct from my ebook publisher, ebookit. If you buy it from ebookit you don't support the big tech companies and the author gets a bigger cut much sooner.
The audiobook is also available at all these vendors, and is also free with a 30-day trial membership to Audible.
"Not simply about one mission, [Genesis] is also the history of America's quest for the moon... Zimmerman has done a masterful job of tying disparate events together into a solid account of one of America's greatest human triumphs."--San Antonio Express-News
Mr. Z.,
Good stuff!
tangentially– the 3rd stage S4B booster from the Apollo 8 launch– is it still orbiting the sun?
“Apollo 8 – Go For TLI”
(1969)
https://youtu.be/xqmSfLFAEOs?t=153
21:53
V-ger?
Star Trek –
” I am Nomad”
https://youtu.be/egyd0cnmpPo
2:51
Reminds me of the Kettering Group. It is amazing how these ham radio operators like Phil Williams – G3YPQ, are finding these satellites. Last year I met Scott Tilley – VE7TIL, in Vancouver who found the IMAGE satellite much the same way.
It’s interesting that the article states ” fluctuation was the result of the long-lost satellite barreling end over end through the void of space, causing variations in the light reaching the solar panels ”
However the photo of the satellite LES-1 in the article shows it apparently covered on all sides with solar panels, plus having a near-spherical shape. It would seem that no matter what its attitude, there would be sunlight reaching one or more solar panels.
I would venture that the fluctuation in signal strength might be more likely caused by the tumbling antenna, as most satellite antennas are directional.
Found this in another article:
“Phil Williams G3YPQ from near Bude noticed its peculiar signal drift caused by its tumbling end over end every 4 seconds as the solar panels become shadowed by the engine. ‘This gives the signal a particularly ghostly sound as the voltage from the solar panels fluctuates’ Phil says.”
That makes sense. I stand corrected.
Andi,
Your first assumption was good, as this happened to Explorer 1 when it tumbled, but I am glad that you continued to do research to find the answer. It is nice to know these things. Thank you for your effort.