This hand-held Robot camera was used by astronaut L. Gordon Cooper during his Faith 7 mission on May 15 and 16, 1963, to photograph atmospheric phenomena. Early American space flights carried no official photographic equipment. By the end of Project Mecury, however, astronauts were often asked to particpate in photographic experiments. Cooper brought this camera on his mission to take photographs of the airglow layer and zodiacal light (dim-light photography) as part of an experiment for the University of Minnesota.

For use in space, the camera was modestly modifed to make it easier for Cooper to use while wearing his pressure suit. NASA added an automatic advance feature, fixed lens, and three small red "feet" to make it easier for Cooper to take photos up against the glass window of the spacecraft.

This camera was transferred from NASA to the Museum in 1976.

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

Germany

Type

EQUIPMENT-Photographic

Manufacturer

Robot-Berning

Dimensions

Overall (with lens): 5 3/8 in. long x 3 1/2 in. tall x 3 1/4 in. deep (13.65 x 8.89 x 8.26cm)
Other (lens only): 1 3/4 in. deep x 2 5/8 in. in. diameter (4.45 x 6.67cm)

Materials

Aluminum
Glass
Steel
Adhesive
Synthetic Fabric
Copper

Inventory Number

A19770553000

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.