Laser Ranging System, Satellite Tracking, Star Charts and Rolling File
Usage Conditions May ApplyUsage Conditions ApplyThere are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections.
More -
https://iiif.si.eduView ManifestView in Mirador Viewer
This is the first of one dozen Baker-Nunn wide-field telescopic cameras built for, and used by, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. In 1958, SAO established a worldwide network of camera stations to photograph satellites slated to be launched during the International Geophysical Year. This, the initial camera, was sited at Organ Pass, NM. It obtained the first civilian photograph of a satellite when it was still being tested at the Boller and Chivens Company in Pasadena, California. The modified Schmidt-type optics and some of the associated mechanical elements were manufactured by Perkin-Elmer while the camera and mounting proper were built by the Boller and Chivens Company. James Baker designed the optics and Joseph Nunn designed and built the mounting.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory transferred the camera to NASM in December 1980 as part of a general suite of satellite ranging and tracking systems employed by SAO, including a laser-ranging system.
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
Boller & Chivens Company Dimensions
Overall: 43.2 × 36.8 × 47cm (17 × 14 1/2 × 18 1/2 in.) Materials
HAZMAT: Possible Cadmium Plating
Wood, Mylar, Ink, Paper, Steel, Aluminum Inventory Number
A19840406013
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.