Object Details
Manufacturer
Naval Research Laboratory
Summary
This is an instrumented full-scale replica of the Vanguard Lyman Alpha satellite, also called SLV-1. It was designed to provide data on solar radiation in the 1100-1300 Angstrom region, known as the Lyman alpha band. The satellite was launched on May 27, 1958 but failed to go into orbit due to malfunction of the launch rocket. The replica was manufactured at the Naval Research Laboratory and may have been a flight spare. It was refurbished by technicians at the Goddard Space Flight Center prior to its transfer to NASM from NASA in March 1975. It was on display at the Science Museum in London, England until 1988.
Alternate Name
Vanguard Lyman Alpha satellite
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Inventory Number
A19751413000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed
Materials
Aluminum
Dimensions
Overall: 1 ft. 8 in. wide, 10 lb. (50.8cm, 4.5kg)
Other (antennae): 2 ft. 6 in. long (76.2cm)
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_A19751413000