This battery-powered microcasette tape recorder flew as crew equipment on 14 Space Shuttle missions from 1990-1996. Astronauts use these handy devices to record their observations of experiments, problems encountered in flight, and other mission activities. They might also use them to listen to music, procedures, or messages from home. Like cameras, this is a commercial product adopted for use in space. As electronic equipment becomes more compact and more capable, NASA retires older pieces like this one to use more advanced versions. NASA transferred this tape recorder to the Museum in 2005, probably because it was replaced with a digital recorder.
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
Japan
Type
EQUIPMENT-Miscellaneous
Manufacturer
Olympus
Dimensions
3-D (L x W x H) (width when cass closed): 11.4 × 6.4 × 1.9cm (4 1/2 × 2 1/2 × 3/4 in.)
Other (when case is open): 14cm (5 1/2 in.)
Materials
Adhesive, anodized aluminum, decals, copper, electronics, metal, plastic, scotch tape, vinyl
Inventory Number
A20050095000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA, Johnson Space Center.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.