Posts: 3454 From: Netherlands Registered: Nov 2001
posted 09-05-2020 03:15 AM
In the Manned Spacecraft Center's Lunar Receiving Laboratory, Apollo 12 commander Pete Conrad poses with the Surveyor 3 television camera that was brought back from the moon during the second lunar landing mission in November 1969. In the background is NASA photographer Terry Slezak.
Ken Havekotte Member
Posts: 3079 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
posted 09-05-2020 04:23 AM
Great shot Ed, but was the top portion containing the TV-camera lens only detached from Surveyor 3 and brought back home, or was the whole entire structure detached?
If the latter, it would seem difficult to me in handling the device, hauling it up the LM step ladder (or I had forgotten if there was a pulley system used), through the hatch, and storing it inside the cabin area of an-already crowded Intrepid. Of course, though, I guess there had to be a designated area planned for the camera once onboard the lander, I am sure.
garymilgrom Member
Posts: 1971 From: Atlanta, GA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 09-05-2020 05:10 AM
Great. Thanks Ed.
heng44 Member
Posts: 3454 From: Netherlands Registered: Nov 2001
posted 09-05-2020 05:39 AM
Ken, I believe they brought back the entire camera as shown here.
Headshot Member
Posts: 939 From: Vancouver, WA, USA Registered: Feb 2012
posted 09-05-2020 10:29 AM
I believe that Conrad's PLSS had a special bag, for holding the camera assembly, attached to it. As for getting through the LM forward hatch, Bean and Conrad would have had to take the camera out before Pete could crawl through the hatch.
I also recall that mission planners had assigned a special place inside Intrepid to store the camera on the way home.
posted 09-05-2020 10:32 AM
You can see the lunar dust and/or discoloration on the camera.
randy Member
Posts: 2297 From: West Jordan, Utah USA Registered: Dec 1999
posted 09-05-2020 11:53 AM
I've never seen this picture before. I like the detail of the Surveyor, especially the moon dust. Way cool!
Philip Member
Posts: 6062 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 09-05-2020 01:40 PM
Streptococcus mitis microorganisms inside the camera rejuvinated after almost 3 years...
Ken Havekotte Member
Posts: 3079 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
posted 09-05-2020 05:01 PM
After some checking up on my prior posting, I did find out the 17-pound television camera did consist of the entire configuration as shown on the photo and was kept in a special stowage bag after being detached from the unmanned lunar landing probe.
Dirk Member
Posts: 967 From: Belgium Registered: Jul 2003
posted 09-05-2020 05:10 PM
Is this camera somewhere on display? Good to see Slezak did not touch the camera this time without gloves.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 44590 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-05-2020 05:24 PM
The camera was presented to William Pickering on his retirement as the director of JPL in 1976. He later returned it to NASA and it is now on loan from NASA to the National Air and Space Museum.
The television camera is currently in storage, as the gallery where it has been exhibited is being renovated. It is expected to return to display with the opening of the new Exploring the Planets exhibition in 2022.
Richard Easton Member
Posts: 176 From: Winnetka, IL USA Registered: Jun 2006
posted 09-05-2020 08:44 PM
My friend Bill Mellberg's dad Frank designed the lens of the camera.
David Carey Member
Posts: 837 From: Registered: Mar 2009
posted 09-05-2020 09:52 PM
Great picture as always, Ed.
I was just today reading about how they calculated particle velocity of lunar dust kicked up from the descent stage by looking at ‘sandblasting’ patterns on Surveyor’s returned parts. That’s some serious synchronicity!
Philip Member
Posts: 6062 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 09-06-2020 05:07 PM
There was a publication published in 1971 titled: Analysis of Surveyor 3 material and Photographs Returned by Apollo 12. It sold for $4.00 at the time. Interesting read.
LM1 Member
Posts: 728 From: New York, NY Registered: Oct 2010
posted 09-06-2020 05:35 PM
Very interesting photo.
posted 09-05-2020 03:15 AM
advertisement