Photograph of Scientists Testing a Laser Beacon for the Gemini Project

Original caption: BLUE-GREEN BEAM: Duane D. Erway (left) and Dr. Paul C. Fletcher of Electro-Optical Systems, Inc., a Pasadena subsidiary of Xerox Crop., adjust blue-green output beam of ionized argon gas laser which will be used to signal a manned-spacecraft for the first time. Laser beacon was developed by the EOS Optical Electronics Division under the direction of Dr. Fletcher and Mr. Erway. The NASA-funded beacon will be aimed from White Sands Missile Range at orbiting Gemini Give. It is hoped astronauts aboard that vehicle will be able to visually locate its pencil-thin beam. Successful observation could be the initial step in establishment of laser beam communications between a manned spacecraft and earth.
Committee Papers