This is a lens from a stellar camera used from 1962-1972 onboard the U.S. Corona photoreconnaissance satellites. Stellar cameras took photographs of the stars and, in conjuction with photographs from the horizon cameras and the index camera, enabled photo interpreters to more easily determine the exact terrain being photographed by the main cameras. This unflown lens was manufactured by Goerz Optical and donated by Hughes Danbury Optical Systems to NASM in 1996.
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
Goerz Optical Co.
Dimensions
3-D (lens, see notes): 20 × 11.6 × 10cm, 0.7kg (7 7/8 × 4 9/16 × 3 15/16 in., 1.5lb.)
3-D (lens cap, see note): 7.9 × 7.8 × 0.8cm (3 1/8 × 3 1/16 × 5/16 in.)
Materials
Lens--optical glass
Lens housing--aluminum alloy
plastic, rubber
Inventory Number
A19960624003
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.