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This electromechanical "clock", made by General Electric, was used in the film return capsules of Corona photoreconnaissance satellites. Corona, a joint U.S. Air Force/Central Intelligence Agency project, successfully launched over 120 satellites from 1960-1972 that provided imagery of the Soviet Union and other nations. The timer controlled the sequence of events - e.g., jettisoning of the thrust cone cover or parachute deployment - during the reentry and recovery of the film return capsule. This timer was flown on two missions and donated by Robert Andrews to NASM in 1998.

 Display Status

This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

James S. McDonnell Space Hangar
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Instruments & Payloads Manufacturer General Electric, Missile & Space Division
 Dimensions Overall: 1 1/2 in. high x 2 in. wide x 10 in. long (3.8 x 5.1 x 25.4cm)
 Materials Overall--metal, wire, plastic
 Inventory Number A19980274000 Credit Line Gift of Robert Andrews. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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