This is an engineering model of one element of a four- telescope array called Celescope which was half of the payload for the second Orbiting Astronomical Satellite (OAO II), launched in December 1968. Developed at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Celescope was designed to survey the entire ultraviolet sky, looking for unusually hot sources of energy. Each telescope contained a 12-inch Cassegrain optical system and was equipped with a special Uvicon television tube and filters. The data from Celescope resulted in a catalog of over 5,000 ultraviolet colors for stars. Transferred from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
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
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Dimensions
3-D (Aluminum Pallet Storage.): 152.4 × 152.4 × 114.3cm, 98.4kg (5 ft. × 5 ft. × 3 ft. 9 in., 217lb.)
3-D (Misc parts): 12.7 × 7.6 × 6.3cm, 0.5kg (5 × 3 × 2 1/2 in., 1lb.)
3-D (Cover): 61 × 61 × 69.8cm, 14.5kg (2 ft. × 2 ft. × 2 ft. 3 1/2 in., 32lb.)
3-D (Telescope): 71.1 × 71.1 × 96.5cm, 44.5kg (2 ft. 4 in. × 2 ft. 4 in. × 3 ft. 2 in., 98lb.)
Materials
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Ferrous Alloy
Glass
Plastic
Electronic Components
Solder
Inventory Number
A19740046000
Credit Line
Transferred from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.