
III. Space Imaging Systems
1891
First proposal (Rahrmann) for using a rocket as a photo platform.
1908
Maul (Germany) develops gyro-stabilized camera mounted on rocket (launched by 1912).
1946
Space pictures obtained from V-2 rockets launched at White Sands Proving Ground (New Mexico).
1957
Launch of Sputnik 1 by USSR.
1960
Images obtained from U.S. meteorological satellite TIROS-1.
1961
Orbital photographs from unmanned Mercury spacecraft MA-4, followed by astronaut photographs from MA-8 and MA-9.
1964
Nimbus research meteorological satellite program begins; TV and other sensors.
1965
First manned Gemini flight (GT-3), with some color photos.
1965
Gemini GT-4 space photography experiments.
1965
Recommendation of ERTS (Landsat) program by U.S. Department of Interior to NASA.
1966
Launch of ATS series of geosynchronous satellites, with imaging sensors, followed by SMS (GOES) series beginning in 1974
1967
Apollo mission Earth-orbital flights (Apollo-6, -7) culminating in SO65 multispectral photography experiment on Apollo-9 (1968)
1972
Launch of ERTS-1 (Landsat); Landsat-2 (1975); Landsat-3 (1978)
1972-73
Skylab launch; series of experiments by astronauts with EREP (Earth Resources Experiment Package).
1975
Apollo-Soyuz flight; some photography.
1978
Seasat-1 launched in June (failed after 99 days).
1978
Heat Capacity Mapping Mission (HCMM), first AEM.
1979
Nimbus-7 launched.
Primary Author: Nicholas M. Short, Sr. email: nmshort@ptd.net