ECHO I Project Echo was the first passive communications satellite experiment. Echo I launched Aug. 12 1960 was a metalized balloon satellite acting as a passive reflector of microwave signals. Communication signals were bounced off the sphere from one point on Earth to another. Good lot of two signed photos each 8"" x 10"" b/w newspaper photos the first showing a schematic of the Echo I flight path. It is signed by WILLIAM C. JAKES JR. Bell Laboratories Project Engineer who adds the text of a cable relayed by the satellite: ""'Hello this is Bill Jakes calling Phil Tardani at the Jet Propulsion Laboratories. How do you read me?' 0518 EDT August 13 1960"". The second photo shows the track of the satellite as it passes over the Arkansas State House signed by DR. JOHN ROBINSON Bell Telephone engineer who developed the Echo program. Two pieces.