Inventor Name
Collins, Martin J.
Repository
National Air and Space Museum
Smithsonian Institution
Archives Division
Room 3100, MRC 322
PO Box 37012
Washington, DC 20013-7012
202-633-2320
http://www.nasm.si.edu/research/arch/
Physical Description
3.5. hrs
Summary
This videohistory explores the contributions of Walter Levison, Frank Madden, and F. Dow Smith in creating a satellite camera that provided photographic imagery of earth from space. Discussed are the technical antecedents of the camera in two balloon reconnaissance projects of the 1950s, project Gopher and WS119L 9also designed to photograph the Soviet Union). The interviewees were instrumental in designing these balloon cameras and adapting that experience to the satellite camera. The bulk of the discussion examines the specific technical problems tey encountered in designing and building the camera system as well as how this process was shaped by their interactions with other participants in the program. The interviewees used NASM’s Corona Camera and auxiliary artifacts as the basis for describing the challenges they faced and the technical choices made.
