8legs: United states air force

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A NASA satellite launched in 1976 carries a Carl Sagan–designed plaque sealed inside its core, mapping Earth's continents 268 million years ago, at launch, and 8.4 million years from now — and that last date is no accident, because it's roughly when the satellite is expected to fall back to Earth and finally be opened.

LAGEOS-1, launched in 1976, remains in stable Earth orbit as a passive, electronics-free satellite.
NASA placed a Carl Sagan-designed plaque inside LAGEOS-1 to carry a durable, timeless message.
Three maps on the plaque show Earth’s landmasses 268 million years ago, at launch, and about 8.4 million years from now.
The third map aligns with the satellite's rough re-entry timing, nearly 8.4 million years from now.
The plaque is a message for a potential future finder, not aliens, and it dates the object by continental movement.
LAGEOS-1’s future map serves as a time cue by continental drift, reflecting the mission’s scientific purpose.
The plaque’s design underscores a timeless, monitorable timestamp tied to the planet’s geology.
NASA explains the plaque’s purpose mirrors the project’s broader goal of long-term Earth monitoring.
Space Daily reports that the article is editorially reviewed and produced with AI assistance.

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