The first live television broadcasts from space were made with a black-and-white RCA television camera like this one during the Apollo 7 mission in 1968. Apollo 8 and 9 used similar cameras. Apollo 10 and the lunar landing missions used color cameras.
Some astronauts objected to adding photography to their busy schedules, but their broadcasts drew millions of viewers and exposed the world to life in space-live on their home TVs. The cameras had lenses for different applications, including a telephoto lens to capture images of Earth from space.
This camera was transferred from NASA to the Museum in 1979.
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
RCA
Dimensions
Overall: 7in. x 3 1/2in., 4.2lb. (17.78 x 8.89cm, 1.9kg)
Materials
metal, glass
Inventory Number
A19790664000
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.