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This is the first of one dozen Baker-Nunn wide-field telescopic cameras built for, and used by, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. In 1958, SAO established a worldwide network of camera stations to photograph satellites slated to be launched during the International Geophysical Year. This, the initial camera, was sited at Organ Pass, NM. It obtained the first civilian photograph of a satellite when it was still being tested at the Boller and Chivens Company in Pasadena, California. The modified Schmidt-type optics and some of the associated mechanical elements were manufactured by Perkin-Elmer while the camera and mounting proper were built by the Boller and Chivens Company. James Baker designed the optics and Joseph Nunn designed and built the mounting.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory transferred the camera to NASM in December 1980 as part of a general suite of satellite ranging and tracking systems employed by SAO, including a laser-ranging system.

 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 Boller & Chivens Company
 Dimensions Overall: 43.2 × 36.8 × 47cm (17 × 14 1/2 × 18 1/2 in.)
 Materials HAZMAT: Possible Cadmium Plating
Wood, Mylar, Ink, Paper, Steel, Aluminum
 Inventory Number A19840406013 Credit Line Transferred from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.