January 6, 2010
In 2010, Celestron will celebrate 50 years of telescope manufacturing. The company, founded in 1960 by electronics engineer Tom Johnson, started as an astro-optical division of Johnson’s aerospace electronics firm, Valor Electronics. While searching for a suitable telescope for his two young sons, Johnson decided to build a telescope from scratch.
In 2010, Celestron will celebrate 50 years of telescope manufacturing. The company, founded in 1960 by electronics engineer Tom Johnson, started as an astro-optical division of Johnson’s aerospace electronics firm, Valor Electronics. While searching for a suitable telescope for his two young sons, Johnson decided to build a telescope from scratch.
Starting with a 6-inch reflector, he progressed to build larger and more sophisticated designs. Johnson’s hobby soon grew into a full-time business that offered Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes in 4- to 22-inch models.
Johnson’s vision of building an affordable Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope system has evolved into one of the world’s leading telescope manufacturers. “When you sit down and consider what Tom Johnson accomplished, you can’t help but be proud and impressed at his vision, leadership, and innovation,” said Joseph A. Lupica, Jr., president and CEO of Celestron.
