Object Details
Manufacturer
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Summary
This is a full-scale replica of an Explorer 8 spacecraft. The satellite was launched on November 3, 1960 atop a Juno II vehicle and successfully went into an elliptical orbit. It carried six specialized instruments designed to study the field of charged particles called the ionosphere as well as micrometeorite impacts. Explorer 8 continued to provide data until December 27, 1960. This is one of two specimens in the collection and was transferred to the Smithsonian Institution in August 1972 by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.
Alternate Name
Explorer 8 Satellite (Replica)
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Inventory Number
A19761107000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed
Materials
Mixed metals, wire, paint.
Dimensions
Approximate: 2 ft. 6 in. diameter x 2 ft. 6 in. tall, 86.4 lb. (76.2 x 76.2cm, 39.2kg)
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
Exhibit Station
Space Science
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19761107000