ROCHESTER, NEW YORK — April 1, 2010 marked the 50th Anniversary of the world’s first weather satellite, TIROS-1 (Television Infrared Observation Satellite), which changed the future of weather forecasting forever. Rochester-based Navitar, Inc., a manufacturer of high magnification imaging optics, is proud of their connection to the TIROS-1 satellite – Navitar, known then as Elgeet Optical, produced the 8mm wide angle camera lens used for capturing the historical satellite images. 

Elgeet Optical, founded by David Goldstein in 1946, became a subcontractor for NASA and RCA in the early 60’s and produced the optical system found in the TIROS-1, and subsequent TIROS-2 and TIROS-3 satellites. An Elgeet Navitar 8mm F1.5 super wide angle lens was attached to a slow-scan camera device that took snapshots of the sky beneath it every 10 seconds. The camera and lens combination weighed only 4.5 pounds. With the wide angle lens, the camera provided a clear view of earth from space 750 miles away.

The TIROS-1 satellite is on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (see photo at right) – and you can see the Elgeet Navitar lens protruding from the satellite. A sample of the 8mm lens is also on display at Navitar’s headquarters in Rochester, NY.
 
Today, Navitar, Inc. is comprised of a network of companies that design, develop, manufacture and distribute precise optical and electro-optical technologies and systems. The company strives to stay ahead of the changing technological advancements and is one of the most recognized and respected names in the optics industry. 

###

About Navitar, Inc.
Navitar is the leading supplier of standard and custom engineered optics, opto-mechanical sub-assemblies and opto-electronic system solutions for Medical & Biotechnology, Defense & Security, Military & Government, Semiconductor, Industrial Imaging, and Digital Projection. Navitar integrates its advanced optics, mechanics, and electronics capabilities into complete turnkey precision solutions. Offices and subsidiaries in the U.S., Japan, Germany, China, Israel, and the United Kingdom. For more information about Navitar, Inc. and their vast offering of innovative products visit the company's website at www.navitar.com.