Philco, later Philco-Ford, was an American electronics manufacturer that played a significant role in the early space industry. Originally known for radios and televisions, Philco expanded into space systems, most notably building the worldwide tracking station network for NASA's Project Mercury and subsequent manned space programs. The company also designed and built the consoles used in Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center, and built the Courier 1B, the first active repeater satellite. Philco's space-related activities included satellite communication, aerospace tracking systems, and the development of error propagation programs for lunar and interplanetary trajectories.
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Philco won the competition to build the IDSCS satellites and established a production line capable of building one satellite every four days.
The history of the manufacturing business includes names such as Philco, Ford-Philco, Ford Aerospace, and Space Systems/Loral, which was acquired by MDA in 2012.
Philco was purchased by Ford Motor Co. in 1961.
Philco was purchased by Ford Motor Co. in 1961.