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What happened to the camera that took the footage of Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon?

Question #149424. Asked by BigTriviaDawg.
Last updated Jun 17 2023.
Originally posted Jun 14 2023 8:05 PM.

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psnz star
Answer has 5 votes
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psnz star
5 year member
1007 replies avatar

Answer has 5 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.
Apparently, it's still there! On the Moon, in the Sea of Tranquility, that is.

The camera was stored in part of the lunar landing module that remained behind when Armstrong and Aldrin rejoined Collins in the command module on their return to Earth.

link https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/how-we-saw-armstrongs-first-steps

Response last updated by psnz on Jun 14 2023.
Jun 14 2023, 8:11 PM
wellenbrecher star
Answer has 0 votes
wellenbrecher star
20 year member
650 replies

Answer has 0 votes.
The reason why the camera remained on the moon was weight.

The camera was a modified Hasselblad 500 EL Medium Format film camera. Due to weight restrictions, the camera carried to the moon was much lighter than the original version. Engineers removed the viewfinder, auxiliary shutter, mirror mechanism and the vinyl coverings in order to save fuel. NASA was so conscious about weight and nervous about running out of fuel during the return flight to the Earth, they decided to leave the camera behind. Armstrong removed the film and discarded the camera on the lunar surface where it remains until today. By the way: The moon rocks Armstrong and Aldin carried to Earth were way heavier than the small camera.

Jun 17 2023, 8:45 AM
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