Data gathered with this instrument contributed significantly to the understanding of a number of fundamental astronomical problems and geophysical problems. The gondola system also represents an important stage in the development of stabilized platforms in scientific ballooning. It was transferred by SAO to NASM in 1996 and has been stored at the Garber facility since then. The frame carries the telescope in an altitude-azimuth mounting. The assembly includes altitude and azimuth slewing and control systems, pointing control systems, telemetry systems, battery packs and crash padding.
All parts are original.
Since the turn of the century balloons have offered the possibility of lifting astronomical instruments to high altitude. Modern plastic balloons have increased both altitude limits and payload capacities. The telescope proper consists of a Cassegrain instrument equipped with a 102-cm mirror. Two rate-integrating gyroscopes mounted on the telescope tube provided the required stabilization. The lifting balloon was either a 5.6 or 6.9 million cu.ft.