The first live television broadcasts from space were made with a black-and-white RCA television camera like this one. The first three Apollo missions 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.
NASA transferred this camera to the Museum in 1973.
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
RCA
Dimensions
Overall: 9 1/4in. x 3 1/4in. x 7in. (23.5 x 8.26 x 17.78cm)
Materials
Aluminum, Paint, Steel, Plastic, Zinc Chromate, Anodized aluminum, Glass, Gold-Plating
Inventory Number
A19790665000
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.