# Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6 > former American communications satellite **Wikidata**: [Q122973333](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122973333) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lincoln-experimental-satellite-6 ## Summary Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6 was an American communications satellite launched on September 26, 1968. As part of the Lincoln Experimental Satellite series, it served as a technology demonstration spacecraft built by MIT Lincoln Laboratory for the United States Air Force. ## Key Facts - Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6 was launched on September 26, 1968 at 07:37:01 from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41. - The satellite had a launch weight of 163 kg, dimensions of 168 cm in height and 122 cm in diameter. - It was powered by solar cells generating 220 watts of power. - LES-6 was part of the Lincoln Experimental Satellite series, following Lincoln Experimental Satellite 5 and preceding Lincoln Experimental Satellite 8. - The satellite operated in geostationary orbit and was retired from service in March 1976. - It was built by MIT Lincoln Laboratory for the United States Air Force. - Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6 had the identifiers SCN 03431 and COSPAR ID 1968-081D. ## FAQs ### Q: What was the purpose of Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6? A: Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6 served as both a technology demonstration spacecraft and a communications satellite. It was part of the Lincoln Experimental Satellite series developed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory to test new technologies for satellite communications. ### Q: How long did Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6 remain in operation? A: Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6 was launched on September 26, 1968 and remained in service until March 1976, providing communications capabilities for approximately 7.5 years. ### Q: What rocket launched Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6? A: Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6 was launched by a Titan IIIC rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41 on September 26, 1968. ### Q: What were the physical specifications of Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6? A: The satellite had a launch weight of 163 kg, measured 168 cm in height and 122 cm in diameter, and was powered by solar cells generating 220 watts of power. ### Q: What other satellites were part of the Lincoln Experimental Satellite series? A: Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6 was part of a series that included Lincoln Experimental Satellite 5 (its predecessor) and Lincoln Experimental Satellite 8 (its successor). ## Why It Matters Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6 played a significant role in the development of satellite communications technology during the late 1960s and early 1970s. As a technology demonstration spacecraft, it provided valuable data that helped advance communications satellite capabilities, particularly for geostationary orbit operations. The satellite's 7.5-year operational lifespan demonstrated the viability of long-duration satellite communications, contributing to the foundation of modern satellite telecommunications infrastructure. Its development and operation by MIT Lincoln Laboratory for the United States Air Force exemplified the collaborative efforts between academia and the military in advancing space technology during the Cold War era. ## Notable For - Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6 was part of the Lincoln Experimental Satellite series, a pioneering program in satellite communications technology. - It operated successfully in geostationary orbit for 7.5 years, demonstrating long-term viability of satellite communications systems. - The satellite was powered by solar cells generating 220 watts of power, representing significant technological capability for its era. - As a technology demonstration spacecraft, it provided valuable experimental data that advanced satellite communications capabilities. - It was one of the few satellites with both SCN and COSPAR identifiers, indicating its official tracking and documentation status. ## Body ### Basic Information Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6 (LES-6) was an American communications satellite launched on September 26, 1968. It served as both a technology demonstration spacecraft and a communications satellite, built by MIT Lincoln Laboratory for the United States Air Force. The satellite had aliases including LES6 and LES-6, and was part of the broader Lincoln Experimental Satellite series. ### Technical Specifications The satellite had a launch weight of 163 kg, measured 168 cm in height and 122 cm in diameter. It was powered by solar cells capable of generating 220 watts of power. The satellite operated in geostationary orbit, positioning it for optimal communications coverage. ### Launch and Operation Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6 was launched at 07:37:01 on September 26, 1968, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41 using a Titan IIIC launch vehicle. The satellite remained operational until March 1976, providing communications capabilities for approximately 7.5 years. Its official identifiers included SCN 03431 and COSPAR ID 1968-081D. ### Program Context Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6 was part of a series of experimental satellites built by Lincoln Laboratory. It followed Lincoln Experimental Satellite 5 and preceded Lincoln Experimental Satellite 8 in the series. The satellite was developed during a period of significant advancement in satellite communications technology, contributing to the foundation of modern telecommunications infrastructure. ### Documentation and Legacy After its retirement, Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6 was documented under the Commons category "LES-6." The satellite had a sitelink count of 1, indicating limited online documentation compared to other space systems. Its development and operation represent an important chapter in the history of satellite communications technology. ## Schema Markup ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Thing", "name": "Lincoln Experimental Satellite 6", "description": "Former American communications satellite and technology demonstration spacecraft launched in 1968", "sameAs": [ "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2428642" ], "additionalType": [ "communications satellite", "technology demonstration spacecraft", "former entity" ], "identifier": [ "03431", "1968-081D" ], "manufacturer": "MIT Lincoln Laboratory", "launchDate": "1968-09-26", "launchVehicle": "Titan IIIC", "orbitalPeriod": "geostationary orbit", "weight": "163 kg", "height": "168 cm", "diameter": "122 cm", "powerSource": "solar cell", "powerOutput": "220 watts", "countryOfOrigin": "United States", "operator": [ "United States Air Force", "MIT Lincoln Laboratory" ] } ## References 1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/les-6.htm) 2. Jonathan's Space Report 3. [Source](http://aerospace.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/bk_comm-sats_ch1.pdf)