This is the lower optical frame for the camera used on the Hale 200-inch telescope at the Cassegrain focus to proof test the split field concept design for the Wide Field/Planetary camera of the Hubble Space Telescope. The NASM collection holds the complete, working camera including split field optics and 2 of the original 4 CCD camera units. (Catalogue#'s 19990211000 through 19990211009), that were used programmatically on the 200-inch for many years and featured in Richard Preston's "First Light" as a galaxy and quasar finder. The 4-shooter was donated by the California Institute of Technology in September 1999. It is now stored at the Garber facility.

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 California Institute of Technology, Palomar Observatory
Dimensions 3-D: 40.6 x 78.7cm (16 x 31 in.)
Storage (Aluminum pallet and frame with fabric dust cover): 123.2 × 124.5 × 119.4cm, 532kg (48 1/2 × 49 × 47 in., 1172 7/8lb.)
Materials Aluminum, Steel, Nylon, Plastic, Gold Plating, Epoxy, Rubber (Silicone), Phenolic Resin, Cadmium Plating, Paint
Inventory Number A19990211004 Credit Line Gift of the Palomar Observatory, California Institute of Technology. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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