Every single time NASA launches a shuttle into space they film it from every possible angle. The purpose is mainly to give engineers documentation for later analysis but also to make sure everything is going as planned during the event itself. Video Producer Matt Melis along with researchers at the Glenn Research Center have put together this lengthy video outlining exactly what happens as a shuttle launches into space. It's pretty interesting to hear about the lenses and cameras they use on every launch as well as seeing the slow motion footage captured. Enjoy this video because on June 28th, 2011 we may see the final NASA shuttle launch as funding is cut from the space program. Video #2 is posted in the full post.
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at 24 mins they mention the use of 35mm cameras to shoot video at 180 fps....any idea what camera they could be using?
its probably something nasa designed them self.
themselves*
I would have normally thought that but NASA actually uses Nikon gear in space.
Thank you for posting. 500inch focal length? That's 12,700mm...
Incredible! Thanks for posting this! This is one thing that I wish I would have had the opportunity to see, let alone photograph in person. This is as close as I will ever get i'm sure. Thank you again guys :)
they use nikon photo gear in space.
and canon dslr's for timelaspe in the VAB, and other various location across the space coast.
@ Patrick Hall Admin, probably a Photo-Sonics http://www.photosonics.com/index.htm they have 35mm cameras that top-out at Three Thousand Two Hundred Fifty (3250) FPS. 180 FPS is nothing unusual, they use 300 FPS cameras for both action and EFX work.
I've often wondered about the maintenance and damage done to the cameras in a launch, because they have more cameras pointed at the shuttle than paparazzi on a red carpet. Plus, how would you like to be the photographer for freaking NASA?!?
Nasa use digital to take snapshots but in the case of serious work like this they are using film.
nice post! imagine having to smoothly follow a shuttle with a 4000mm focal length on your video/film camera. that's talent