What was the purpose of launching the first geostationary satellite in 1966?

The launch of the first geostationary satellite in 1966 was primarily aimed at enabling continuous communication. A geostationary satellite orbits the Earth at a fixed location relative to the planet's surface, allowing it to maintain a constant connection with a specific area. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for communication purposes, as it eliminates the need for tracking the satellite and enables stable communication channels for television broadcasts, telephone services, and data transmission.

While providing real-time weather updates is a function associated with such satellites, the foundational goal was more about establishing reliable communication links. Other options, such as exploring deep space or assisting in remote data collection, are not relevant to the specific purpose of geostationary satellites. These satellites were not designed for deep space exploration, nor was their primary function to collect data from remote areas; their design and operational capabilities centered around consistent and uninterrupted communication.