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This is an unflown lens from the index camera used from 1962-1972 with the KH-4 through KH-4B cameras onboard the U.S. CORONA photoreconnaissance satellites. Index cameras took a small scale photograph of the area being covered by the main camera and, in conjuction with orbital data, enabled photo interpreters to more easily determine the exact terrain being photographed.

This lens was manufactured by Itek and donated by Hughes Danbury Optical Systems to the National Air and Space Museum in 1996.

 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 SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Instruments & Payloads Manufacturer ITEK Corporation
 Dimensions Other: 5 in. in diameter x 4 in. long (12.7 x 10.2cm)
 Materials Aluminum, Steel, Paint, Glass, Synthetic Fabric, Epoxy, Rubber (Silicone), Plastic, Nylon, Gold plating, Adhesive, Magnesium
Exterior - plastic coated metal wire
Lens housing - magnesium alloy
Lenses - optical glass
For additional documentation, see the Corona Program Event; link found under the "Related" tab.
 Inventory Number A19960624002 Credit Line Gift of Hughes Danbury Optical Systems. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.