Editing Project Echo (section)

== Objectives ==
Project Echo was a pathfinder mission with the objective of testing new technologies and preparing for future missions.  Spaceflight engineers used Echo to prove new ideas and test limits in aerodynamics, satellite shape and size, construction materials, temperature control and satellite tracking.<ref name="hansen1995">{{cite book|last=Hansen|first=James R.|date=1995|title=Spaceflight Revolution: NASA Langley Research Center from Sputnik to Apollo|url=https://history.nasa.gov/SP-4308/sp4308.htm|location=Washington, D.C.|publisher=NASA|oclc=62404314}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> Echo was designed as an experiment to demonstrate the potential of satellite communications, not to function as a global communications system.

Echo was designed, approved and built with the following objectives:<ref name="Butrica1997"/>
* Observe and measure the effects of atmospheric drag
* Passively reflect ground based transmissions
* Demonstrate two-way communications
* Demonstrate commitment to the development of an American space program
* Provide precedent for the overflight of other nations by surveillance satellites

All of these objectives were accomplished with Project Echo. Further experiments used the satellite to engage a two-way telephone conversation on 15 August 1960 and to relay a live television transmission in April 1962.