Camcorders in Space Shuttle earth observations

A project to evaluate the use of commercially available camcorder systems during Shuttle flights is discussed, focusing on the use of an 8-mm camcorder for earth observations during the STS-30 mission in May, 1989. The camcorder with a 2/3-inch CCD is described, noting the modifications to prepare the camcorder for use on the Shuttle. The results of the camcorder project are summarized, listing the types of earth-viewing video images that were aquired with the camcorder.