This is the Maurer earth/sky observer camera from an unpiloted test flight of the Mercury Atlas rocket and spacecraft in 1961. Without a pilot and hand-held camera to take photographs out the two small porthole windows of the spacecraft, NASA relied on this camera, positioned to point out the lower window, to capture images of Earth automatically.
This camera was transferred from NASA to the Museum in 1978.
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
EQUIPMENT-Photographic
Manufacturer
J. A. Maurer, Inc.
Dimensions
Overall: 1 ft 1/2 in. tall x 6 1/2 in. wide x 4 1/2 in. deep (31.75 x 16.51 x 11.43cm)
Materials
metal, glass, plastic
Inventory Number
A19781516000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.