Andover- Maine

Coordinates: 44.6343087608963, -70.6993005092925
Address: Andover 04216
Paths To: Black Mtn   Canton
View On: Long Lines Map | Google Maps | Bing Maps

View Random Site

Site Notes

Add site note

SITE HISTORY (MARK FOSTER'S SITE)   Collapse/Expand

CLLI CODE: ANDVMEES

A view of the building that Bell System built to hold the microwave feed horn for PROJECT TELSTAR. TELSTAR
used satellites in an elliptical orbit about the earth to transmit signals between Maine and two other similar ground
stations in France and England. The project proved the feasibility of wideband international satellite communications. Construction of
the site was started on May 1st 1961. The horn and building have since been dismantled, however the French counterpart still
exists as a nation telecommunications museum. In the foreground is the Black Mountain radio relay site. In the upper right of the photograph is the
Andover Earth Station. Note that the earth station is on the floor of a large bowl surrounded by
mountains. Andover was chosen over sites in Pennsylvania, W. Virginia, and the Del Marva area of Delaware
mainly due to the lack of interference from existing and potential TD-2 and TH microwave systems.
The "first hop" from the earth station to the Black Mountain site was TJ (11 KMC) to avoid interference
with the earth stations 6 KMC TX and 4 KMC RX. The Black Mountain site then shot to West Paris, ME then
Cornish, ME and then to Portland, ME. The Black Mountain site today. Note that tower construction has
changed from 3 legs to four legs. Platforms for the since removed
KS horns can still be seen at the top and lower level.

ARCHIVED FROM MARK FOSTER'S SITE

Site Documents

Site Pictures

Add site Pictures

This event has 0 comments.

Please log in to leave a comment.

All information is provided for free to the public. Pictures and Documents are provided by supporters of the website and for that I am very gateful.
For any questions or comments please email [email protected].