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Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Project Celescope.
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Project Celescope records, 1958-1968.
This record unit documents the operation of Project Celescope from its inception in 1958 until shortly before the launch of the experiment in December 1968. Records include correspondence, memoranda, TWX messages, contracts, invitations, bids and proposals; reports; and related materials concerning the technical development of Celescope; involvement of NASA in the project; SAO administration of the project; and the selection and work of contractors producing instruments for the project.
Conceived in 1958, Project Celescope was an experiment undertaken by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) to study the atmospheres of the hotter stars by means of photometric measurements in those regions of the ultraviolet that are accessible only from above the earth's atmosphere. Measurements were obtained by mounting telescopes in an orbiting satellite that would focus starlight on ultraviolet-sensitive television cameras. Project Celescope was funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as part of their Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (OAO) program. The project reached a climax on December 7, 1968, when NASA launched the second OAO satellite containing the Celescope experiment. More than 8,500 photographs of over 2,800 areas of the sky were made during the experiment's lifetime.
From 1958 to 1965, Project Celescope existed as a separate division of SAO. In 1965 the project was placed under administrative control of the newly created Department of Flight Operations. The project's primary staff included Fred Lawrence Whipple, Project Director; Robert T. Davis, Project Scientist; and Francis R. Nitchie, Jr., Engineering Administrator, 1958-1962. In 1962, the title of the latter position was changed to Project Manager. Project Managers included G. K. Megerian, 1962; Charles A. Lundquist, Acting Project Manager, 1963; and John J. Burke, 1964-1968.
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Project Celescope.
Astrophysical observatories.
Burke, John J.
Davis, Robert T.
Lundquist, Charles A.
Megerian, G. K.
Nitchie, Francis R., Jr.
Whipple, Fred L. (Fred Lawrence), 1906-2004
Electro-Mechanical Research, Inc.
Orbiting Astronomical Observatory. Project Celescope.
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Department of Flight Operations.
United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
AIP-ICOS
Smithsonian Institution. Archives. Capital Gallery, Suite 3000, MRC 507, 600 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024-2520, USA
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