Inside the haystack

One of the new additions to our space research program is the “Haystack” Microwave Research Facility, a giant experimental radio station outside of Boston. The multipurpose “Haystack,” built by MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory and the US Air Force, operates not only as a ground terminal for satellite and space communication, but also as a powerful radar tracking station, and as a sensitive radio-telescope. Host John Fitch visits the “Haystack” with project engineer Herbert Weiss who explains how the massive computer-controlled structure works. “Science Reporter” viewers watch Mr. Weiss feed a simple typewritten message to a large digital computer which in turn performs complex directional computations and then automatically focuses on “Haystack’ antenna on a given celestial target.
Complete catalog record

Related films

Sources

  1. 16mm Filmography (legacy record) — title, year, creator, length, format, color, sound, genre, description, catalog record