How John Glenn's $40 drugstore camera changed how we see space.
Mar 23, 2023We’re about to take a trip back in time to the early 1960s and learn how a $40 drugstore camera forced NASA to rethink its space missions. Yes, it’s true. A simple camera purchased at the local drugstore played a pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration and set the stage for space photography in a non-scientific domain.
Fast forward to the launch date of February 20th, 1962. John Glenn’s historical Mercury-Atlas 6 mission had been postponed 10 times already due to technical issues and weather conditions. Glenn, a seasoned pilot and astronaut, had just purchased an Ansco Autoset camera for a mere $40 from a drugstore in Cocoa Beach, Florida.This camera, made by Minolta, was one of the first automatic exposure cameras on the market, which made it the perfect choice for Glenn.
A photo of astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. aboard the “Friendship 7” Mercury spacecraft during the Mercury-Atlas 6 spaceflight. He shot 48 frames, which is more than the typical 36 exposures you normally get in a roll of 35mm film – that’s because NASA had thought about that too. Because there would be no way for Glenn to change film during the mission, they spliced two rolls of film together which were then fitted back into the camera with a special mechanism that could only be opened with a “NASA screwdriver.” This allowed Glenn to take up to 70 frames.
Argentina Últimas Noticias, Argentina Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Get this color scanning tool for $40 off this springThe Nix Color Sensor can scan any object and match it to over 100,000 brand-name paint colors.
Leer más »
Bad Bunny’s ex-girlfriend sues singer for $40 millionBad Bunny’s ex–girlfriend is suing the superstar for at least $40 million over a well-known voice recording she reportedly provided the singer before he became famous.
Leer más »
Score MS Office for Mac or Windows for Just $40During this huge sale, you can score major savings on Microsoft Office Professional 2021.
Leer más »
Bad Bunny’s Ex-Baby Is Suing Him Over ‘Bad Bunny, Baby’Seeking more than $40 million over the recording used on two songs.
Leer más »
This little-known biotech stock developing treatments for blood disorders could jump 80%, BMO saysThe firm initiated coverage of this stock with an outperform rating and a $40 price target.
Leer más »