Object Details
Manufacturer
Martin Co.
Summary
This is a Vanguard TV-2BU rocket, the U.S.'s first rocket specifically designed to launch satellites. As part of the Vanguard program, the Vanguard TV-2BU test vehicle was prepared for launch by the Martin Company on September 3, 1957. But due to a technical problem the mission was cancelled. The next launch opportunity was on June 22, 1959. However, the TV-4BU test version of the Vanguard was launched instead and orbited Vanguard 3.
Meanwhile, on March 17, 1958, the first successful Vanguard satellite was launched as Vanguard 1 atop a Vanguard TV-3BU rocket. The TV-2BU rocket was thus never used in the program but was essentially a duplicate of the Vanguard 1 vehicle and had the same markings. This TV-2BU was donated to the Smithsonian in 1958 by the Naval Research Lab.
Alternate Name
Vanguard Rocket
Credit Line
Naval Research Laboratory
Date
1958
Inventory Number
A19580114000
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Type
CRAFT-Missile & Rocket Parts
Materials
HAZMAT: Cadmium Plating, Magnesium
Overall, aluminum with riveted magnesium sheet skin; the first and second stage integral tanks are of aluminum with riveted magnesium sheet skins; second stage tanks of stainless steel, aluminum frames and magnesium stringers and skin.
Dimensions
Overall: 72 ft. tall × 45 in. diameter, 1800lb. (2194.6 × 114.3cm, 816.5kg)
3-D (A19580114000A, Rigging): 118.4 × 19.7 × 18.4cm (46 5/8 × 7 3/4 × 7 1/4 in.)
Storage (A19580114000A, Rigging): 123.2 × 27.9 × 26.7cm (48 1/2 × 11 × 10 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_A19580114000