Celestron Telescope Soars to International Space Station

Torrance, CA (November 5, 2011) - The International Space Station (ISS) is getting a game-changing new camera system, and a Celestron telescope plays a key part. The ISERV (International Space Station SERVIR Environmental Research and Visualization System) Pathfinder imaging system successfully launched on board a Japanese rocket on July 21st, 2012. Once ISERV is installed, scientists on the ground will control it remotely, gathering images of Earth for disaster analysis and environmental studies.

The setup includes a NASA-modified Celestron CPC 925 computerized telescope. ISERV Pathfinder was designed and built at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The camera system will be stowed aboard the ISS initially, then assembled by crewmembers in January, 2013.

“ISERV will help advance Earth Science research. We are all very excited and proud to see Celestron’s telescope assisting NASA’s quest for knowledge.” said Corey Lee, Senior Vice President of Product Development at Celestron. View images of the ISERV setup, including the Celestron telescope, at NASA’s website here.

Using the Celestron telescope as a giant lens, ISERV’s camera will take crystal clear shots of our planet from Destiny laboratory’s Earth-facing window, WORF. ISERV images will be used to monitor and assess environmental disasters, climate change, rainforest destruction and air quality in various locations around the globe. It will also aid in short-term weather prediction.

"ISERV came about because officials in developing countries are sometimes unable to acquire the images they need to address environmental threats and provide post-disaster assessments," said Nancy Searby of NASA.

NASA hopes the ISERV Pathfinder will be the first in a planned series of remote-controlled “Earth observing instruments each to feature progressively more capable sensors” aboard ISS. 

About Celestron
Celestron is the leading designer, manufacturer and importer of high-quality optical products including computerized and non-computerized telescopes and related accessories, binoculars, spotting scopes and microscopes. Since manufacturing its first telescope in 1960, Celestron has grown to become the world’s leading telescope maker, and enjoys brand-name recognition among serious amateur astronomers for superior optics, outstanding design, and innovative technology.