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Camera, Lunar Mapping, Apollo, 1970s. Creator: Fairchild Space & Defense Systems
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Camera, Lunar Mapping, Apollo, 1970s. Creator: Fairchild Space & Defense Systems
This is the flight backup for the mapping cameras used on the last three Apollo missions. Mapping the lunar surface was a high priority during Apollo 15, 16, and 17. Mounted in the service module, the mapping camera captured high-resolution images of the Moon as the spacecraft orbited. While returning to Earth, command module pilots performed spacewalks to retrieve the film canisters, mounted on the right side of the camera. This flight backup, available for those missions if the installed cameras were damaged or malfunctioned before launch, is the best surviving example of the Fairchild-built camera. The flown versions remained in the service modules, which burned up when they reentered the Earths atmosphere. This camera was transferred from NASA to the Museum in 1978
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Media ID 23871831
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1970s Air And Space Museum Aluminum Apollo 15 Apollo Mission Equipment Photographic Lunar Landing Lunar Landings Moon Moon Landing Moon Landings Nasm National Air And Space Museum Plastic Seventies Space Space Travel Defense Systems Mapping
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This print captures a significant piece of history from the Apollo missions in the 1970s. The image showcases the Camera, Lunar Mapping, Apollo, which was created by Fairchild Space & Defense Systems. As the flight backup for mapping cameras used on the last three Apollo missions, this camera played a crucial role in capturing high-resolution images of the lunar surface. Mounted in the service module of spacecraft during Apollo 15,16, and 17, this camera orbited around the Moon to provide detailed maps of its terrain. Command module pilots performed spacewalks to retrieve film canisters attached to the right side of this camera while returning to Earth. The significance of this particular camera lies not only in its functionality but also as one of few surviving examples built by Fairchild. While flown versions remained inside service modules that burned up upon reentry into Earth's atmosphere, this flight backup was transferred from NASA to the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) in 1978. As an educational institution dedicated to preserving scientific heritage and advancing knowledge about space exploration, NASM proudly displays this artifact. Made with aluminum and synthetic polymers like plastic and celluloid film technology prevalent at that time period; it serves as a testament to American ingenuity and technological advancements during those historic lunar landings. This print is a reminder of humanity's quest for discovery beyond our planet's boundaries—a symbol representing America's pioneering spirit within our solar system.
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