Though NASA astronauts have commercially-available camera equipment both inside and outside their spacecraft, cameras for spacewalks must be protected from dramatic swings in temperature and possible damage with beta cloth covers like this. 35mm Nikon F3 cameras supplied to the astronauts for general use can be covered with this protective shroud, which is sized for the specific camera. As digital cameras came into service in the mid-2000s, thermal covers were created for those cameras as well.
NASA transferred this thermal camera cover to the Smithsonian in 2012.
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
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Dimensions
Overall (folded): 7.6 x 17.8 x 15.2cm (3 x 7 x 6 in.)
Materials
Beta cloth, velcro
Inventory Number
A20130267000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.