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

This is an inertial platfrom from the guidance system from a Thor intermediate range ballistic missile. The Thor, which entered service in 1958, was powered by a liquid oxygen and kerosene rocket motor. This missile, which was the West's first operational IRBM, had a range of aproximately 2000 miles. It was directed to its target by an inertial guidance system. This system keeps track of the vehicle's course by way of gyroscopes that sense changes in orientation and accelerometers that keep track of changes in velocity. The output from those components is used to adust the rocket to mainain the desidred course during the powered flight segement. This inertial platform served as the reference point for the guidance system.

It was transferred to NASM from the United States Air Force in 1964 and is now stored at the Garber facility.

 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 EQUIPMENT-Electronics Manufacturer AC Spark Plug Division, General Motors Corporation
 Dimensions Approximate: 74.93cm (2ft 5 1/2in.)
Storage: 80.01 x 161.29 x 96.52cm (2ft 7 1/2in. x 5ft 3 1/2in. x 3ft 2in.)
 Materials Paint, Aluminum, Cadmium Plating, Plastic, Glass, Copper, Stainless Steel, Rubber (Silicone), Steel, Plastic, Nylon, Synthetic Fabric
 Inventory Number A19640039000 Credit Line Transferred from the United States Air Force Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.