This telescope tube and aiming device for backup infra-red (IR) spectrometer for Skylab was part of the Earth resources evaluation experiment. This experiment was designed to provide data for calibrating and evaluating spectrometer data itself for the study of earth resources. The central part of this instrument contains a filter wheel, which allowed measurements to be made of light reflected from the earth's surface at four different wavelengths ranging from the visible to the infrared regions. The instrument had a field of view of approximately one-quarter mile on the earth;s surface. It was pointed and tracked manually by an astronaut at the lowest point of the Skylab's orbit. The viewfinder was manufactured by the Martin Marietta Aerospace Group for NASA.
It was transferred to NASM from NASA's Johnson Space Flight Center in 1979.
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
Martin Marietta
Dimensions
Storage (Rehoused on aluminum pallet with one additional object): 121.9 × 121.9 × 58.4cm, 75.3kg (48 × 48 × 23 in., 166lb.)
Materials
HAZMAT: Cadmium Plating, Magnesium
Aluminum, Steel, Plastic, Velcro, Paint, Rubber (Silicone), Nickel Alloy
Inventory Number
A19800187000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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