Object Details
Manufacturer
United States Geological Survey
Summary
This model of the Surveyor V lander was constructed by the U.S. Geological Survey, Center of Astrogeology, as an attempt to duplicate a small part of the lunar surface. The topography, color, texture, and photometric properties of this model were based on measurements made by the Surveyor V spacecraft. The model was made by gluing sheets of styrofoam together and cutting coarse crater shapes to duplicate the topography seen by Surveyor V. Water putty mixed with styrofoam, sawdust, and volcanic cinders added detail to the surface and helped to create a realistic apperance. Powdered cinders and scale rocks from the San Francisco volcanic field were then placed on top. Microcratering was achieved by dropping objects from a height of 4' to 6' above the surface.
This model was used as a training aid for the Apollo astronauts and was featured in CBS broadcasts of the Apollo 11 landing. It was acquired by the Smithsonian Institution in 1971 and has been on display at the Michigan Space Center since its opening in 1976.
Long Description
Surveyor Program
The Surveyor spacecraft were the first U.S. spacecraft to land safely on the Moon. The main objectives of the Surveyors were to obtain close-up images of the lunar surface and to determine if the terrain was safe for the Apollo landings. Each Surveyor was equipped with a television camera. In addition, Surveyors 3 and 7 each carried a soil mechanics surface sampler scoop which dug trenches and was used for soil mechanics tests and Surveyors 5, 6, and 7 had magnets attached to the footpads and an alpha scattering instrument for chemical analysis of the lunar material.
Surveyor 1
Launched 30 May 1966
Landed 02 June 1966, 06:17:37 UT
Latitude 2.45 S, Longitude 316.79 E - Flamsteed P
Surveyor 2
Launched 20 September 1966
Crashed on Moon 22 September 1966
Vernier engine failed to ignite - southeast of Copernicus Crater
Surveyor 3
Launched 17 April 1967
Landed 20 April 1967, 00:04:53 UT
Latitude 2.94 S, Longitude 336.66 E - Oceanus Procellarum (Ocean of Storms)
Surveyor 4
Launched 14 July 1967
Radio contact lost 17 July 1967
2.5 minutes from touchdown - Sinus Medii
Surveyor 5
Launched 08 September 1967
Landed 11 September 1967, 00:46:44 UT
Latitude 1.41 N, Longitude 23.18 E - Mare Tranquillitatus (Sea of Tranquility)
Surveyor 6
Launched 07 November 1967
Landed 10 November 1967, 01:01:06 UT
Latitude 0.46 N, Longitude 358.63 E - Sinus Medii
Surveyor 7
Launched 07 January 1968
Landed 10 January 1968, 01:05:36 UT
Latitude 41.01 S, Longitude 348.59 E - Tycho North Rim
Credit Line
Acquired from U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Astrogeology
Inventory Number
A19710825000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
MODELS-Miscellaneous
Materials
Styrofoam glued together, covered with water putty mixed with styrofoam. Sawdust and volcanic cinders were added for detail to the surface. Powdered cinders and scale rocks from the San Francisco volcanic field placed on top.
Dimensions
Other (Lunar Surface Model): 204 in. diameter (518.2cm)
Other (Lunar Surface Model Max): 16in. (40.6cm)
Other (lunar surface model min): 5in. (12.7cm)
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_A19710825000