Padded camera bag designed and manufactured by Kirtland for use on the Space Shuttle, measuring 14″ x 10″ x 9″, designated as Class I flight hardware NASA part #SED33102534-310 (these bags were not given serial numbers, making it impossible to track their flights). The back and bottom are covered with black Velcro tabs. In fine condition, with signs of use. This style of bag flew for nearly 100 Space Shuttle flights.
NASA ordered an unknown quantity of these bags in 1983 or 1984, and former employees believe about 50 camera bags were produced. The bags were designed and manufactured by Kirtland Manufacturing of Boulder, Colorado. Sally Ride was the astronaut responsible for working with Kirtland during the procurement process. Identification was done by means of a removable Nomex label with Velcro that was attached to the top of the bag. The dash number was changed according to the type of bag it was being used for, e.g. 35mm, 70mm, or brackets. An inserted card, printed specifically for each flight, was inserted in the top pocket. This card listed all the items that were contained in the bag.
These bags are believed to have first flown on STS-41G. They were flown on every subsequent flight including all astronaut stays on MIR, and ISS flights until they were retired near the end of the Shuttle Program (for about the last 10 flights, the Camcorder Bags were used instead). The bags have a number of configurations, including Bracket Bag, General Purpose Bag, Film Bag, Accessory Bag, CAM Bag, 35mm Bag, 16mm Bag, and 70mm Bag. A label inserted in the front and side pockets showed the configuration of a particular bag. This example has no interior partitions, which were removed by NASA prior to disposal. These bags were normally stowed in middeck stowage lockers. This is the third and final design that was produced in quantity for NASA: two prior designs were flown to test the camera bags, while earlier bags had permanent side labels like the camcorder bags. Each bag was manufactured to hold three film container bandoliers attached to the inside lid. Bandoliers held either 35mm or 70mm film containers. The bandoliers could be configured based on the needs of each mission. This bag is configured with two 35mm film bandoliers. The consignor notes that this was purchased as NASA surplus.
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