Object Details
Manufacturer
General Electric, Missile & Space Division
Summary
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.
Credit Line
Gift of Robert Andrews
Inventory Number
A19980274000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Instruments & Payloads
Materials
Overall--metal, wire, plastic
Dimensions
Overall: 1 1/2 in. high x 2 in. wide x 10 in. long (3.8 x 5.1 x 25.4cm)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
Hangar
James S. McDonnell Space Hangar
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19980274000