Expanding the utility of manned observations of earth: 70 mm film tests on the space shuttle

Abstract

The Space Shuttle Orbiter provides opportunities for testing different ways to record terrestrial scenes using film. Such opportunities are limited by launch schedules and orbital parameters, properties of the Orbiter windows, available astronaut time and equipment stowage, and the necessity for safety qualification of equipment. To date, astronauts have accomplished several successful tests using color‐infrared film, plane‐polarizing filters, and a faster color emulsion, both on single 70mm cameras and using a dual camera mount.