Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Central Engineering Department Search this
Extent:
73 cu. ft. (73 record storage boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Manuscripts
Floppy disks
Drawings
Architectural drawings
Electronic records
Date:
1978-1996
Descriptive Entry:
This accession consists of contract files dealing with the research, development, and construction of the Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF), now known as
the Chandra X-Ray Observatory; and its components; the High Resolution Camera (HRC); the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS); and its two transmission grating spectrometers,
one set optimized for low energies (LETG) and the other for high energies (HETG). The records track in detail the steps and methods involved in the creation of the AXAF as
well as document the discussions between scientists, administrators, and outside contractors. Organizations and companies involved include Eastman Kodak Company; TRW Inc.,
Space and Technology Group; Hughes Danbury Optical Systems; the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Space Research;
Ball Corporation; HTS Design Engineering; Computer Sciences Corporation; Schaeffer Magnetics, Inc.; and Composite Optics, Inc. Materials include correspondence, memorandum,
reports, spreadsheets, and drawings. Some materials are in electronic format.
