Early Bird, also known as Intelsat I, the world's first commercial communications satellite, was built for the Communications Satellite Corporation (COMSAT) by the Space and Communications Group of Hughes Aircraft Company, later Hughes Space and Communications Company. April 6, 1965 at 23:47 UTC · Launch Successful Thor Delta D — United States Air Force, to Geosynchronous Orbit Space Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA The world's 425th orbital launch attempt, and 32nd of 1965. Data: Launch Library 2, The Space Devs.