Anyone remember a satellite called Echo. My dad use to show it to me flying over. What was that for?

Answer 1

Echo was an early communications satellite of the "passive" type, meaning it just reflected signals from earth stations, and had no electronics or power system on board.

Echo was a huge aluminized mylar baloon that was used to reflect microwave signals across the oceans. It was large enough and reflective enough that it could be seen from the surface in the evenings.

There is some information on the internet, and you should look for yourself. Try an internet search on "echo satellite."

Answer 2

According to this website, Echo was a communications satellite.

http://www.answers.com/topic/echo-satellite

Answer 3

It was probably a prototype satellite communication system, or perhaps an "open-source" ham radio relaying satellite.

Answer 4

strictly for some communications here on earth before wireless of course.