Object Details
Manufacturer
Lockheed Missiles and Space Co.
Summary
This is the Agena-B upper stage used during the 1960s as an orbital injection vehicle for Midas and other satellites. It was also an intermediate stage booster for Ranger and early Mariner space probes. Made by Lockheed, it was fitted on the Thor or Atlas-D launch vehicles that became known as the Thor-Agena and Atlas-Agena.
Most notably, Agena-B also served as the Corona photo reconnaissance satellite which then flew under the cover name Discoverer. Agena-B used a restartable and gimbaled liquid-fuel rocket engine made by the Bell Aerospace Company. This Agena-B was transferred from the U.S. Air Force to the Smithsonian Institution in 1965.
Credit Line
Transferred from the U.S. Air Force
Date
1960-1966
Inventory Number
A19650291000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
PROPULSION-Miscellaneous
Materials
Aluminum
Steel
Gold Plating
Rubber
Plastic
Foam
Fiberglass
Thoriated Magnesium
Dimensions
Overall: 285 5/8 in. long x 60 in. diameter, 1810 lb. (725.43 x 152.4cm, 821kg)
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
Hangar
James S. McDonnell Space Hangar
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19650291000