Wide angle lenses like this one were used during the first live television broadcasts from space made from a black-and-white RCA television camera. The first three Apollo missions used these RCA cameras and Fairchild lenses. 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 lens to the Museum in 1973.
Display Status
This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Photographic
Manufacturer
Argus Optics
Dimensions
3-D: 7 x 5.1cm (2 3/4 x 2 in.)
Materials
Metal, glass
Inventory Number
A19731489000
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.