Object Details
Manufacturer
General Electric Co. (Lynn, MA)
Summary
This is a model of the type of film return capsule used to return film to Earth from the first generation of U.S. photoreconnaissance satellites. Part of the once-secret Corona project, capsules of this sort returned more than 800,000 images taken by the program's KH-series cameras between August 1960 and May 1972, when the program ended. The capsules were ejected from Agena spacecraft in orbit, reentered the atmosphere, and were retrieved in mid-air by specially-equipped U.S. Air Force planes.
Transferred from the CIA and NRO to the Museum in 1995.
Credit Line
Gift of the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Reconnaissance Office
Inventory Number
A19960016000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
MODELS-Uncrewed Spacecraft & Parts
Materials
Display frame--plastic and metal
Base--wood
For additional documentation, see the Corona Program Event; link found under the "Related" tab.
Dimensions
Overall: 4ft 4in. x 10in. (132.08 x 25.4cm)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19960016000