40 years since an IMAX camera first filmed in space

IMAX footage shot in space
(Image credit: IMAX)

This week marks 40 years since an IMAX camera was first used in space, capturing footage from a historic NASA mission.

Four decades ago, on 18 June 1983, Space Shuttle Challenger embarked on its second of ten voyages into space (its tenth being the unsuccessful 1986 mission that saw the vessel explode during launch). The 70mm IMAX camera was operated by astronaut Sally Ride – the first American woman in space.

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.