The Apollo 11 command module "Columbia" was equipped with a Maurer automatic 16mm data acquisition camera (DAC), designed to operate at several speeds while documenting technical aspects of the mission. On this film magazine, the crew recorded their view of the lunar surface as the spacecraft left lunar orbit to return to Earth. The camera in this case was being held by hand and shows the farside landscape and later the Earth in the distance. These films, lacking sound, were analyzed post-flight for engineering studies and became part of the visual record of the mission with clips appearing in historical reviews of the mission's success.

NASA transferred this magazine to the Museum in 1970.

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

J. A. Maurer, Inc.

Dimensions

Overall: 5 3/8in. x 3 5/8in. x 15/16in. (13.65 x 9.21 x 2.38cm)

Materials

Anodized Aluminum
Stainless Steel
Aluminum
Adhesive
Synthetic Fabric
Velcro
Plastic
Paint
Steel
Brass

Inventory Number

A19791513000

Credit Line

Tranferred from NASA

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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