In 1978, Japanese explorer Naomi Uemura undertook in quick succession two challenging expeditions in the Arctic. After a journey of more than two months, he became the first person to reach the North Pole via a solo overland journey. Soon after this accomplishment, he sought to complete another first, a north-south overland traverse of Greenland, a distance of more than 1600 nautical miles (2900 kilometers), but had to halt the effort just before reaching his goal.
The Smithsonian Institution played a crucial supporting role in these expeditions, providing Uemura with a battery-operated data collection platform, designed to communicate with the Nimbus 6 meteorological satellite. Strapped to his dog sled as he crossed remote, isolated terrain, the device provided position, time, temperature, and barometric pressure data. This artifact is the antenna for the data collection platform.
Mr. Uemura donated this artifact to the Museum in 1978.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Electronics
Manufacturer
Comant Industries, Inc.
Dimensions
Overall: 1ft 3 7/8in. x 4 1/2in. (40.32 x 11.43cm)
Materials
Plastic
Paint
Steel
Ink
Stainless Steel
Rubber (Silicone)
Copper
Inventory Number
A19790219000
Credit Line
Donated by Mr. Naomi Uemura
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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