Camera Porn from Outer Space
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – Udvar-Hazy Center
Documenting spaceflight through photography has gained importance during the space age. NASA used cameras to record tests while developing rockets, spacecraft, and other equipment. The value of in-flight photography by astronauts, however, was debated up through the Apollo program. Because every gram of equipment had to be justified, and every moment of an astronaut’s time meticulously planned, it took years for photography to become fully accepted in the U.S. space program.
Photography equipment, either integrated into the spacecraft or held by astronauts was selected by NASA for its high quality, reliability, and ability to be modified for use in space. Photographs taken by those cameras are crucial to understanding the experience and science of space exploration.
The cameras and equipment displayed here show not only the evolution of photographic technology for space flight, but also the increasing role of the astronaut as a photographer.
Camera Porn from Outer Space
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – Udvar-Hazy Center
Documenting spaceflight through photography has gained importance during the space age. NASA used cameras to record tests while developing rockets, spacecraft, and other equipment. The value of in-flight photography by astronauts, however, was debated up through the Apollo program. Because every gram of equipment had to be justified, and every moment of an astronaut’s time meticulously planned, it took years for photography to become fully accepted in the U.S. space program.
Photography equipment, either integrated into the spacecraft or held by astronauts was selected by NASA for its high quality, reliability, and ability to be modified for use in space. Photographs taken by those cameras are crucial to understanding the experience and science of space exploration.
The cameras and equipment displayed here show not only the evolution of photographic technology for space flight, but also the increasing role of the astronaut as a photographer.