Those military recovery airplanes had a snagging boom to catch the parachutes of the descending film capsules, which were then reeled into the rear of the plane. Very tricky, & required skill by the pilots & good timing. Once the satellites used up all of the film capsules, there was no other use for them.
In the late 1940’s a study by RAND concluded that the United States could launch a satellite into orbit at the time, but that it would be pointless since the satellite wouldn’t be able to do anything productive. They suggested waiting until the technology existed to allow satellites to do something useful while in orbit — and spying on the Soviets was one of the first things they suggested. Of course, that then raised another concern, namely, that no one knew for sure how far up a country’s airspace went, which caused a further delay because U.S. officials were worried that a satellite flying over the Soviet Union might spark a major international incident. While it was a black eye in terms of PR, many officials in Washington were secretly relieved when the Soviets launched Sputnik because it meant the U.S. could send satellites over the USSR with out any issues.
Ah for the days of having to get film developed. You still can now, but you have other choices. We’d take it to the same place that had a tube testing machine for our TV tubes. Very hot TVs in those days.
Actual film as opposed to digital cameras are making a resurgence as an art form. There are several camera clubs here in the Dallas / Fort Worth area that specialize in film photography
And there was the coronation in England, early 50s. The major TV networks wanted to be first in coverage, but satellite TV did not exist yet. One network set up a high power TV transmitter in England, but it failed to be received in the US. At least two networks filmed the events, rushed the film to waiting planes, developed and edited in flight. One network was showing their film while the other showed their plane landing. (The good old days)
When my dad was in the USAF that was his job to develop that film! I remember as a child not being able to go into his office building as it was high security (don’t remember the exact security level clearance he was). The windows were painted black too in one air base he was stationed.
Leroy about 6 years ago
Now they just need to liquidate them.
Templo S.U.D. about 6 years ago
I guess bats hardly eat tiger moths then.
Bilan about 6 years ago
Of course the U2 used film. That was long before digital photography.
charliefarmrhere about 6 years ago
Those military recovery airplanes had a snagging boom to catch the parachutes of the descending film capsules, which were then reeled into the rear of the plane. Very tricky, & required skill by the pilots & good timing. Once the satellites used up all of the film capsules, there was no other use for them.
scpandich about 6 years ago
In the late 1940’s a study by RAND concluded that the United States could launch a satellite into orbit at the time, but that it would be pointless since the satellite wouldn’t be able to do anything productive. They suggested waiting until the technology existed to allow satellites to do something useful while in orbit — and spying on the Soviets was one of the first things they suggested. Of course, that then raised another concern, namely, that no one knew for sure how far up a country’s airspace went, which caused a further delay because U.S. officials were worried that a satellite flying over the Soviet Union might spark a major international incident. While it was a black eye in terms of PR, many officials in Washington were secretly relieved when the Soviets launched Sputnik because it meant the U.S. could send satellites over the USSR with out any issues.
khmo about 6 years ago
Geez, that film canister recovery makes me feel old. That’s the way we had to get the recon back well into the late 60s. early 70s.
NeedaChuckle Premium Member about 6 years ago
Since Ramen can last a 1000 years, not a big problem.
J Short about 6 years ago
When the satellites went digital was when Fotomat went out of business.
Huckleberry Hiroshima about 6 years ago
Ah for the days of having to get film developed. You still can now, but you have other choices. We’d take it to the same place that had a tube testing machine for our TV tubes. Very hot TVs in those days.
h.v.greenman about 6 years ago
Actual film as opposed to digital cameras are making a resurgence as an art form. There are several camera clubs here in the Dallas / Fort Worth area that specialize in film photography
Smokie about 6 years ago
In other news, all the school cafeterias in Fayette Country will be serving Ramen noodles for the foreseeable future.
chain gang charlie about 6 years ago
Only in Georgia could they find a “Fence” dibble enough to “take it off their hands”…Hey Bubba, want some “Hot” soup?…..
Thorby about 6 years ago
That C-123 did a good job of catching. I think the C-130 does it also, from the front?
russef about 6 years ago
See Rock Hudson in Ice Station Zebra.
tuslog1964 about 6 years ago
And there was the coronation in England, early 50s. The major TV networks wanted to be first in coverage, but satellite TV did not exist yet. One network set up a high power TV transmitter in England, but it failed to be received in the US. At least two networks filmed the events, rushed the film to waiting planes, developed and edited in flight. One network was showing their film while the other showed their plane landing. (The good old days)
Nicole ♫ ⊱✿ ◕‿◕✿⊰♫ Premium Member about 6 years ago
When my dad was in the USAF that was his job to develop that film! I remember as a child not being able to go into his office building as it was high security (don’t remember the exact security level clearance he was). The windows were painted black too in one air base he was stationed.
Gent about 6 years ago
Dang. Now I want to eat some noodles.
wirepunchr about 6 years ago
Those are roman ramen.
Durak Premium Member about 6 years ago
You’d think that it would take about 100 semi-trucks to hold $100,000 worth of Ramen. That stuff costs what, 16 cents a pack?