Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

One of several replicas and backup Explorer-1 spacecraft in the collection. Explorer-1, also known as Satellite 1958 alpha, was the first American satellite to successfully orbit the earth. This sample is a full-size replica of the payload section attached to an empty fourth stage Sergeant solid fuel rocket motor. It was transferred to the Smithsonian Institution by the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in August 1974.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed Manufacturer National Aeronautics and Space Administration
 Dimensions Overall: 6 1/2 in. wide x 80 3/4 in. deep (16.5 x 205.1cm)
 Materials Metal shell
 Inventory Number A19750665000 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.