This is a film magazine and supporting parts from the star field camera on the SAO balloon telescope. This experiment was a multi-purpose, multi-institutional telescope facility for infrared astronomical studies. The camera magazine was part of a suite of instruments fed by a balloon-borne Cassegrain telescope with a 102-cm mirror. The telescope was built in 1971 by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) and flown nineteen times since 1972; thirteen of those flights were successful. A total of six different infra-red instruments were flown at the focal plane of the mirror. Data gathered with this instrument contributed significantly to the understanding of a number of fundamental astronomical problems and geophysical problems. The gondola system also represents an important stage in the development of stabilized platforms in scientific ballooning.

It was transferred by SAO to NASM in 1996.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Boeing Aviation Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Boeing Aviation Hangar
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Balloon Parts Manufacturer Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
 Dimensions Overall: 9in. x 1ft 3in. x 1ft 7in. (22.9 x 38.1 x 48.3cm)
 Materials Overall - anodized aluminum, optics, electronics
 Inventory Number A19960566000 Credit Line Transferred from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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