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Topic spans: 1957 - 2000
Launching the Digital Age: Canadian Satellites
Amid feelings of apprehension and anticipation, Canadians looked skyward as scientists launched satellites into the solar system in the 1960s. The primitive satellite program has since evolved into a highly sophisticated network. Canadian scientists have actively taken the lead in this ever-growing industry, transforming our lives with improved telephone, radio, television, tele-medicine and Internet access.
7 television clips
8 radio clips
Launching the Communications Technology Satellite
Broadcast Date: Jan. 18, 1976
The "Communications Technology Satellite" was sent into orbit today, ushering in a brave new era in Canadian communications. To date, it is the most powerful radio and television transmitter and allows for the potential of tele-medicine and tele-education. It also promises to reach the most remote areas of the northern Canada. CBC Radio's Hal Jones reports on the future possibilities and applications of telecommunications and how Canadians will cope with the imminent change.Launching the Communications Technology Satellite
• The "Communications Technology Satellite" was renamed Hermes, after the Greek god of science and inventions, on May 21, 1976.• The first direct-to-home satellite television broadcast was directed to a Canadian diplomat's home in Peru in May 1978. The history-making transmission was game two of the Stanley Cup finals. (Montreal beat Boston 3-2 in overtime.)
• The Communications Research Centre of the Department of Communications received an Emmy for outstanding engineering achievements in the Hermes program. The award recognized the first use of higher frequency bands for television broadcasting. It is on display in Ottawa at the National Museum of Science and Technology.
Launching the Communications Technology Satellite
Medium: Radio
Program: Sunday Magazine
Broadcast Date: Jan. 18, 1976
Guest(s): Larry Desmeules, Jeanne Sauvé
Host: Bob Oxley, George Rich
Reporter: Hal Jones
Duration: 7:24
Last updated:
Aug. 25, 2004
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15 clips in this topic . page
Television
3:00
Nov. 29, 1965
The second satellite in the "Alouette" series was sent into orbit today, confirming the success and ingenuity of Canada's top scientists.
Television
0:50
Aug. 6, 1969
A sonic boom from an air show smashes windows in eight blocks of downtown Kelowna.
Launching the Communications Technology Satellite.
The CBC Digital Archives Website.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Last updated: Aug. 25, 2004.
[Page consulted on Feb. 16, 2012.]