This artifact is an engineering model of a sensor used in experiments aboard Skylab in 1973 and 1974 to assess the feasibility of studying the Earth at various wavelengths of light. Called a multispectral scanner, the device was used in conjunction with a reflecting telescope and rotating mirror to determine wavelength signatures for various Earth resources applications including agriculture, forestry, geology, hydrology, and oceanography. It gathered images in twelve bands of visible and infrared light.

NASA transferred this artifact to the Museum 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

SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Instruments & Payloads

Manufacturer

Honeywell Inc.

Dimensions

Overall: 22.86 x 17.78 x 38.1cm (9in. x 7in. x 1ft 3in.)

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Magnesium, Steel, Rubber (silicone), Plastic, Synthetic Fabric, Velcro, Plastic

Inventory Number

A19790733000

Credit Line

Transferred from NASA, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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