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Rangefinder, Friendship 7, ca. 1962. Creator: Unknown
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Rangefinder, Friendship 7, ca. 1962. Creator: Unknown
During his three-orbit flight on February 20, 1962, John Glenn used this photometer/rangefinder to measure the airglow layer around the Earth. Sometimes called a Voasmeter photometer - after Robert Voas, who trained early astronauts for NASA - the device allowed Glenn to look through the filter and make measurements with the small dial. Information could be gathered from these observations on the intensity of both sunlight and starlight. Glenn was the first astronaut to use hand-held cameras in space and performed some simple scientific experiments and Earth observations during his short flight. For photography, he carried a modified Leica camera for standard black and white images and an Ansco Autoset camera - modified with ultraviolet film- aboard the spacecraft. Other devices such as a rangefinder and this photometer were used in making astronomical observations which were continued with better equipment on successive Mercury missions. NASA transferred this rangefinder to the Museum along with all other Friendship 7 equipment in 1967
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This print showcases the remarkable Rangefinder used during John Glenn's historic three-orbit flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. Created by an unknown individual, this photometer/rangefinder played a crucial role in measuring the airglow layer surrounding our planet. Affectionately referred to as a Voasmeter photometer, after Robert Voas who trained early NASA astronauts, this device allowed Glenn to peer through its filter and make precise measurements using the small dial. Glenn's pioneering use of hand-held cameras in space revolutionized photography beyond Earth's boundaries. During his brief journey, he conducted simple scientific experiments and captured breathtaking images of our home planet. To accomplish these feats, Glenn carried two modified cameras: a Leica camera for standard photographs and an Ansco Autoset camera equipped with ultraviolet film. In addition to these photographic marvels, Glenn relied on various instruments like this rangefinder and photometer to conduct astronomical observations throughout his mission. These observations provided valuable insights into the intensity of sunlight and starlight from outer space. Following its historical significance, NASA transferred this very rangefinder along with all other equipment from Friendship 7 to the Museum in 1967. This artifact stands as a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge about our universe while honoring John Glenn's groundbreaking achievements as one of America's first astronauts.
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