How a York Co. man and his St. Bernard helped Apollo 11 astronauts take measurements in space
Bob Frutiger poses for a portrait at WITF on July 18, 2019. Frutiger worked with a team of RCA engineers to create a video camera that could take measurements in space. (Photo: Rachel McDevitt/WITF)
(Harrisburg) — Fifty years ago this week, the Apollo 11 mission was on its way to put the first man on the moon.
Before the rocket launched, a team of RCA engineers in Lancaster had to complete its mission: develop a video camera that could work in the vacuum of space.
The camera’s tubes were equipped with a series of crosshairs so the astronauts could take measurements and check the size of items in space.
Bob Frutiger, of Red Lion, York County, was on that team.
He spoke to WITF about how he helped solve a persistent problem with the tubes–with the aid of his St. Bernard.
The Purple Buck Newsletter
Get insights into WITF’s newsroom and an invitation to join in the pursuit of trustworthy journalism.
