Object Details
Manufacturer
ITEK Corporation
Summary
Each Viking Lander was equipped with two identical cameras that, unlike conventional cameras, did not use film. Instead, a moveable mirror scanned a vertical segment of the martian scene, and photodetectors recorded the amount of light reflected into the camera. A complete picture, or "image" of the surface was made by completing a vertical scan, and then rotating the camera slightly for the next scan.
This back-up camera was transferred from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to the Museum in 1981.
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Inventory Number
A19810661000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Instruments & Payloads
Materials
Resin Impregnated Fiberglass
Aluminum
Beryllium
Ferrous Alloy
Glass
Synthetic Fiber Fabric
Plastics
Paint
Electrical Wiring
Ink
Dimensions
3-D (Overall): 59.1 × 26cm (1 ft. 11 1/4 in. × 10 1/4 in.)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Exhibition
Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19810661000
