After Nearly 50 Years of Silence, ‘Zombie Satellite’ LES-1 Resurfaces with Unexpected Signals to Earth!

In 1965, the U.S. Air Force and MIT launched two experimental satellites: LES-1 and LES-2. These were the first super-high-frequency satellites designed for military communication. Initially, the goal was to explore reliable satellite communication systems.

LES-1, launched on February 11, 1965, faced many challenges. Due to wiring issues, it never completed its intended orbit and stopped transmitting by 1967. On the other hand, LES-2 performed well, reaching its designated orbit shortly after launch.

For decades, LES-1 drifted through space as “space junk.” But in 2013, an amateur radio astronomer named Phil Williams in Cornwall, UK, detected a signal from the long-silent satellite. This phenomenon is known as a “zombie satellite,” where inactive satellites mysteriously reactivate.

Williams noted that the signal flickered in a four-second cycle, likely due to LES-1 tumbling in space. The fluctuations in its solar power created a ghostly sound in the transmissions, capturing the attention of space enthusiasts.

After its revival, the Lincoln Laboratory began monitoring LES-1 whenever it passed over their campus. Navid Yazdani, leader of the Advanced SATCOM Systems and Operations Group, expressed excitement. He highlighted that LES-1 was a pioneer in satellite communication technology, influencing the design of future satellite systems.

But what led to this unexpected “resurrection”? Experts speculate it might be due to an electrical short in the satellite, allowing power from its solar cells to bypass damaged parts. While the exact cause remains uncertain, the return of LES-1 has sparked interest in the mystery of old satellites coming back to life.

Today, LES-1 continues to orbit Earth, reminding us of the fascinating journey of space technology and its surprises. Despite its troubled past, the satellite remains an important part of satellite communication history.

For more detailed historical insights into the evolution of satellite technology, check out this NASA report.

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