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.
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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