Object Details
Contractor
General Dynamics Corp.
Summary
This is part of the suite of consoles built by General Dynamics, Inc. and used to launch Atlas-Agena rockets from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, in the 1970s and 1980s. The Atlas was developed as a liquid-fuel, intercontinental ballistic missile, and it also was used to launch four missions carrying Mercury astronauts into Earth orbit. The Atlas was also modified to carry an Agena upper stage, which carried a variety of payloads, including reconnaissance satellites, into orbit.
For missions that required a polar or near-polar orbit, the Vandenberg launch site was used, as it allowed a launch over water rather than over a populated area of land. These consoles were part of the equipment that served those launches.
Transferred from U.S. Air Force to NASM in 1994.
Long Description
This is part of the suite of consoles used to launch Atlas-Agena rockets from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, in the 1970s and 1980s. The Atlas was developed as a liquid-fuel, intercontinental ballistic missile, and it also was used to launch four missions carrying Mercury astronauts into Earth orbit. The Atlas was also modified to carry an Agena upper stage, which carried a variety of payloads, including reconnaissance satellites, into orbit.
For missions that required a polar or near-polar orbit, the Vandenberg launch site was used, as it allowed a launch over water rather than over a populated area of land. These consoles were part of the equipment that served those launches.
Alternate Name
Atlas-Agena Launch Console
Credit Line
Gift of U.S. Department of Air Force
Inventory Number
A19940160000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
EQUIPMENT-Ground Control Apparatus
Materials
HAZMAT: Cadmium Plating
Steel
Aluminum
Paint
Plastic
Glass
Rubber
Paper
Dimensions
3-D: 292.1 x 101.6 x 101.6cm (115 x 40 x 40 in.)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
Hangar
James S. McDonnell Space Hangar
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19940160000