Object Details
Manufacturer
Rocket Development Corporation
Summary
This is the Honeybee, a very low-cost, low-altitude sounding rocket designed in the late 1960's. It is essentially a large solid-fuel model rocket with a cardboard body, balsa fins and nosecone, and silk parachute. Manufactured by the Rocket Development Corporation, the Honeybee could carry a 0.75 pound payload up to 3,600 feet. The total launch weight of the rocket was 1.4 pounds.
The rocket could be used for low altitude weather studies, rescue purposes to carry lines to persons in distress and other purposes. However, due to its low payload capability, the Honeybee was not commercially successful. The Honeybee was donated to the Smithsonian in 1967 by the Rocket Development Corp.
Credit Line
Gift of Rocket Development Corporation
Inventory Number
A19690001000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets
Materials
Wood
Synthetic
Rubber
Steel
Coating
Aluminum
Copper Alloy
Dimensions
3-D (Partially Disjointed): 91.8 × 15.6 × 11.4cm (3 ft. 1/8 in. × 6 1/8 in. × 4 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_A19690001000