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The Applications Technology Satellites were a series of six
multipurpose satellites designed to test new space instruments and
demonstrate new satellite technologies particularly those used in
synchronous orbit satellites.
The first Applications Technology Satellite (ATS-1) was
launched December 6, 1966. It took the first U.S. high-quality
photographs from Earth from synchronous orbit, showing changing
cloud-cover patterns. It also relayed color television across the
U.S. and was the first satellite to permit two-way VHF communication
between ground and aircraft in flight. Although intended primarily
for communications technology, this multipurpose satellite contributed
much to advance weather forecasting. ATS-1 took repetitive
photographs of the same area, greatly aiding in the early detection of
severe storms.
ATS-3, launched in November 1967, carried advanced
communications, meteorology, and navigation experiments, and
transmitted color images of one complete side of the Earth. It took
photos every 20 minutes enabling meteorologists to put them together
in a sequence and make a motion picture of cloud movements. Until
1975 the cloud-cover pictures seen on TV came from this satellite.
ATS-6 was the first communications satellite with power to
broadcast TV photos to small local receivers. Launched in May 1974,
it was used for a number of experimental public health and education
telecasts to remote rural areas in the U.S. and India.