Object Details
Manufacturer
Chrysler Corporation, Michigan Army Missile Plant
Summary
This is the Redstone, one of the most historically important developments in U.S. rocket technology. It was the U.S.'s first large-scale operational liquid-propellant missile and was modified as the Jupiter-C that placed the U.S.'s first artificial satellite, Explorer 1, into orbit in 1958. In 1961, the Mercury-Redstone rocket launched the first American into space, Alan B. Shepard.
As a missile, the Redstone had a range of 200-250 miles and carried either a conventional or nuclear warhead. The Redstone made its first successful flight in 1953 and became operational in 1958. It was replaced by the all-solid-fuel Pershing missile in 1964.
This missile was donated to the Smithsonian in 1978 by the U.S. Army.
Alternate Name
Redstone Missile
Credit Line
Transferred from U.S. Army
Inventory Number
A19780064000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets
Materials
Aluminum alloy body, engine, steel; six fiberglass bottles above engine; nose cone tip, overall, aluminum
Dimensions
Overall: 63 ft. tall x 5 ft. 10 in. diameter x 7 ft. 5 in. wing span (1920.24 x 177.8 x 226.06cm)
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
Exhibit Station
Human Spaceflight
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19780064000