The early communications satellites were launched with Thor-Delta and Delta rockets. In general, communications satellites reached low earth orbit before manned

The early communications satellites were launched with Thor-Delta and Delta rockets. In general, communications satellites reached low earth orbit before manned spacecraft, and satellites where put into geosynchronous orbit before manned spacecraft passed that altitude on the way to the moon. Manned spacecraft have never operated in geosynchronous orbit, since it is beyond the Van Allen belts and exposed to cosmic radiation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_(rocket_family) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_(rocket_family) I fully support the continued development and operation of all kinds of satellites for communications, earth monitoring, astronomy, etc., as well as the development and operation of spacecraft for lunar and planetary exploration. However, people are not suited for space travel since they are fragile and weigh too much, especially when all the life support overhead is factored in.