Object Details
Manufacturer
Chrysler Corporation, Michigan Army Missile Plant
Summary
The Redstone was 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, with modifcations, became the Jupiter-C that placed the U.S.'s first artificial satellite, Explorer 1, into orbit in 1958. In 1961, another version, called the Mercury-Redstone, launched the first American into space, Alan B. Shepard.
The Redstone missile had a range of 200-250 miles and carried either a conventional or nuclear warhead. It became operational in 1958 and was replaced by the all-solid fuel Pershing missile in 1964. This Redstone was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1980 from the NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center.
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Inventory Number
A19800166000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets
Materials
Body and fins, aluminum (Reynolds Metal Co.) and alloy steel; steel discs, rusted, on each of the four blast deflector vanes; bolts on body, steel.
Dimensions
Overall: 828 in. long x 70 in. diameter (2103.12 x 177.8cm); width, each fin, 56 inches.
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19800166000