Object Details
Manufacturer
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Summary
This is a concept scale model (1:20) of the High Energy Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (HEAO-A). This was the first in a series of three High Energy Astronomical Observatory satellites created to correlate observations with data obtained from ground-based optical and radio telescopes. HEAO-A, launched on 12 August 1977, conducted an initial survey, mapping X-ray sources in the sky. The satellite contained four instruments designed to survey and map X-ray and gamma ray sources throughout the universe. These included three X-ray detectors and a hard X-ray/gamma detector. Data sent back during the nine months in which it was in orbit led to one of the first X-ray maps of the sky as well as the identification of 1500 new X-ray sources.
The model was transferred to NASM from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in 1975.
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Inventory Number
A19800397000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
MODELS-Uncrewed Spacecraft & Parts
Materials
Plastic
Paint
Copper Alloy
Steel
Adhesive
Ink
Dimensions
3-D: 66.7 x 15.2 x 15.9cm (26 1/4 x 6 x 6 1/4 in.)
Storage (With Stand): 74.9 x 53.3 x 21.6cm (29 1/2 x 21 x 8 1/2 in.)
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_A19800397000