This silver-zinc battery, made by General Electric, was the only power source for the Corona satellite's film return capsule. It provided power to fire spin and despin rockets, deploy the parachute, and operate a RF tracking beacon and flashing strobe light to help in recovery of the capsule. Corona was a highly-classified joint Air Force/Central Intelligence Agency program that successfully launched over 120 photoreconnaissance satellites from 1960-1972. This battery, actually flown on at least one mission, was donated by Robert Andrews to NASM in 1998.
Display Status
This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Electrical Power
Manufacturer
General Electric, Missile & Space Division
Dimensions
3-D: 22.9 x 12.1 x 8.9cm (9 x 4 3/4 x 3 1/2 in.)
Materials
Overall - stainless steel, silver, zinc, lead
Inventory Number
A19980278000
Credit Line
Gift of Robert Andrews.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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