Impressive dual-lens Space Shuttle Wide Field Camera (WFC) with lens hood, the main white canister camera body measuring 16″ in diameter and 25″ tall, set upon a 21″x 25″ three-legged base, and the lightweight lens hood measuring 17″x 22.5″ x 21″. The white canister’s body bears a Teledyne tag, reading: “WFC Canister Assembly, Part No. F5-10042-1, Contr. No. NAS8-32712, For NASA-MSFC.” The canister top and cover are removable, revealing two Nikon Nikkor lenses (50mm f/1:1.4 and 85mm f/1:1.4), as well as blue Automax film magazines and internal electronics. The lens hood has a red metal cover stenciled “Non-Flight Item,” and the interior is ribbed with flat black panels to absorb sunlight and reduce lens flare. In fine condition.
Produced for the Astro-1 payload manifested for a March 1986 flight, the Space Shuttle Wide Field Camera (WFC) was designed to make detailed studies of Halley's Comet, which was nearing its perihelion passage and approaching maximum brightness in the spring of 1986. The Astro-1 instruments were designed, manufactured, tested, and ready for orbiter installation by January 1986, when the Challenger disaster occurred and further Space Shuttle flights temporarily suspended. Because Halley’s Comet was no longer in position for detailed observation, the Wide Field Camera was removed from the payload in the spring of 1987, and the Astro-1 did not fly until STS-35 at the end of 1990. A superb and interesting piece of NASA photographic history.
Due to the size and fragile nature of this item, it is considered OVERSIZED. Please call RR Auction for a shipping (FREIGHT) quote.
