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.
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