Film cameras for the Space Shuttle

An employment of film camera systems in space has a number of advantages over the use of electro-optical systems. Film cameras can produce very high spatial resolution and geometric integrity, and can provide excellent stereoscopic capability. They are not restricted by the data transmission problem which arises in connection with electro-optical systems, and ground processing is possible. Because of the advantages of film camera systems, photogrammetrists and cartographers have waited a long time for a space system which would meet their requirements for standard mapping at useful scales. Possibilities for satisfying these requirements on the basis of suitable developments are discussed, taking into account the utilization of the Space Shuttle. The Space Shuttle itself can serve as a platform for film camera systems. However, a better approach would involve the employment of free flying photographic satellites, which could be launched and serviced by the Shuttle. Attention is given to the advances made towards the realization of the considered aims.