Satellite, Explorer 1, Replica

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Object Details

Manufacturer

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology

Summary

This is one of several full-scale replicas of Explorer 1 in the NASM collection. It consists of the payload section attached to an empty Sergeant fourth-stage, solid-fuel rocket motor. It was transferred to NASM by the U.S. Army Ordnance Museum in 1988. Explorer 1, also known unofficially as Satellite 1958 alpha, was the first American satellite to successfully orbit the Earth. Data from this and two subsequent Explorer satellites led to the discovery by James Van Allen of a belt of intense radiation surrounding the Earth.

Credit Line

Transferred from the U.S. Army Ordnance Museum

Inventory Number

A19890568000

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

MODELS-Uncrewed Spacecraft & Parts

Materials

Metal shell

Dimensions

Overall: 6 in. wide x 5 ft. 8 1/2 in. long, 28 lb. (15.2 x 174cm)

Country of Origin

United States of America

See more items in

National Air and Space Museum Collection

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Metadata Usage

Not determined

Link to Original Record

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9db6d695f-28e7-4240-9057-1028862e15de

Record ID

nasm_A19890568000