This is one of four closed circuit television cameras that were mounted in the space shuttle orbiter's payload bay, two near the edges of the forward bulkhead and two positioned likewise on the aft wall. With a good view of equipment and activities in and near the orbiter, these video cameras were valuable for documenting extravehicular activities, satellite deployments, and payload operations. The payload bay cameras could be controlled by the onboard crew or by Mission Control to pan, tilt, zoom, focus, and do other movements. They could record in black and white or color, depending on the lens installed before flight. This camera belonged to space shuttle orbiter Discovery but was removed from the aft starboard position to permit its study and display. The other three video cameras remain installed in Discovery's payload bay. NASA transferred Discovery and its core equipment to the Museum in 2012 after the space shuttle program ended.
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-Photographic
Manufacturer
Videospection, Inc.
Dimensions
3-D: 62.9 × 33 × 31.7cm, 49kg (2 ft. 3/4 in. × 1 ft. 1 in. × 1 ft. 1/2 in., 108lb.)
Materials
Aluminium Alloy
Multi-Layer Insulation
Steel (most likely)
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Wire (Copper most likely)
Textile
Plastic
Glass
Adhesive
Inventory Number
A20120332000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
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