April 06

On April 6, 1965, NASA launched Early Bird (Intelsat I), the world’s first commercial communications satellite, aboard a Delta D rocket. It became the first satellite to achieve geosynchronous orbit, keeping a fixed position relative to the Earth’s surface. Early Bird enabled live transatlantic television broadcasts, telephone, and fax communication between North America and Europe. Its success ushered in a new era of global telecommunications and broadcasting services. The satellite operated for nearly five years, far exceeding its planned lifespan. Early Bird laid the groundwork for the global satellite communications network used today.

On April 6, 1973, NASA launched Pioneer 11 from Cape Canaveral aboard an Atlas-Centaur rocket. It became the second spacecraft to journey through the outer solar system. The probe carried instruments to study Jupiter's atmosphere, magnetic fields, and radiation belts. In December 1974, Pioneer 11 flew through Jupiter's north polar region, gathering revolutionary data. It went on to become the first spacecraft to fly by Saturn in September 1979, revealing detailed images of the planet and its rings. The mission extended our understanding of solar wind, cosmic rays, and the heliosphere.