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Object

NTS-2

NTS-2, a black rectangular satellite with "TTS-2" written on its front, features two solar panels extending from either side and a small dome-like structure at the top labeled "NT-2."

Navigation Technology Satellite 2, an experimental U.S. Air Force satellite launched in June 1977 to flight-test cesium atomic clocks for the planned GPS constellation. It was the first spacecraft to carry the relativistic frequency offset that makes an orbiting clock tick at the same rate as one on the ground. Within twenty days of launch the predicted shift had been confirmed and the offset was permanently engaged.

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