This is a collection of items that includes a flash lamp and the objective lens for the laser transmitter of the laser-ranging satellite tracking system that the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory used at Mt. Hopkins near Tucson, Arizona. The flash lamps served as a source of optical pumping for the laser to maintain a population inversion while the objective lens helped to focus the outgoing laser . The satellite laser tracking systems were designed as a refinement on the Baker-Nunn cameras developed by SAO in connection with the International Geophysical Year. They comprised a laser transmitter mounted side-by-side with a telescope receiver, which were used to obtain highly accurate measurements of orbital altitudes and tracks of artificial satellites. They provided ranging data at accuracy levels of one meter or better. SAO operated four laser-tracking systems around the world—in Brazil, Peru, Australia, and Mt. Hopkins. The program was used to track a large number of satellites from its inception in 1968 until it was shut down in 1982.
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
INSTRUMENTS-Scientific
Manufacturer
Spacerays Inc; Boller & Chivens
Dimensions
3-D: 31.1 × 8.9cm (1 ft. 1/4 in. × 3 1/2 in.)
Materials
ferrous alloy
adhesive sticker
tape
Inventory Number
A19840474007
Credit Line
Transfered from Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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