Exploring the Cameras Used for NASA's First Space Missions
The early days of space exploration were not only a monumental achievement for humanity but also a fascinating development in the evolution of photography. The first NASA space mission, the Friendship 7 flight with astronaut John Glenn, marked a significant step in documenting the world from a unique vantage point. Understanding the cameras used during these pioneering missions sheds light on the technological advancements that shaped space photography.
Initial Cameras: Ansco and Leica
For the iconic Friendship 7 mission, astronaut John Glenn chose two 35mm cameras. The Ansco camera was a personal choice, picked up from a local drugstore next to his favorite barber shop. In contrast, the Leica camera was provided by NASA. These initial cameras set the stage for what was to come in terms of capturing the unprecedented journey of the first American in orbit.
Walter Schirra and the Hasselblad 500C
Two flights later, during the Mercury missions, astronaut Walter Schirra made a crucial decision. He believed that a larger negative would yield better photographic results. This belief proved correct, as the Hasselblad 500C camera he brought on his flight produced impressive images. Schirra's photographs so convinced NASA of the Hasselblad's potential that the company was contracted to produce a "space camera."
Development of the Space Camera
NASA's custom-built space camera was based on the Hasselblad 500EL, but with numerous modifications to suit the extreme conditions of space travel. Among these modifications:
No mirror: To avoid potential damage.
No viewfinder: To minimize extraneous weight and bulk.
A glass plate marked with reference points for NASA scientists.
A specialized back that could hold 100 exposures of a thin color film, or 200 exposures of a thin black-and-white film.
A 60mm Zeiss Biogon wide-angle lens, which couldn't be used on a reflex camera due to its size.
A 60mm Distagon lens that was created to fit standard Hasselblads, leading to increased sales.
This specialized equipment was essential for capturing high-quality images in the challenging environment of space. The space camera's design innovations paved the way for future missions and provided invaluable insights into conditions on board the spacecraft.
The Evolution of Space Photography
The journey of space photography didn't end with the Mercury missions. The Gemini missions brought more photographic opportunities, thanks to the longer duration of the missions. However, it was the Apollo moon program that truly blossomed the field. The first live television broadcasts from space occurred during the Apollo 7 mission in October 1968, which marked a significant milestone in space communications and photography.
Space missions provided astronauts with numerous opportunities to capture breathtaking images of Earth and space. The innovation and adaptation of cameras for these missions were crucial in pushing the boundaries of technology and photography.
Conclusion
The cameras used in NASA's early space missions, such as the Ansco, Leica, and the specially designed Hasselblad, played pivotal roles in documenting humanity's first steps into space. These early missions set the stage for future advancements and continue to inspire both space enthusiasts and photographers today. Understanding the evolution of space photography helps us appreciate the complexity and dedication required to capture the incredible images that have become synonymous with space exploration.