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 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

On May 28, 1959, a U.S. Jupiter missile carried this reentry capsule and its payload of two live monkeys, Able and Baker, to an altitude of 300 miles (483 kilometers). The capsule travelled nearly 2000 miles (3220 km) downrange at a maximum speed of 2000 mph (3220 kph). Able and Baker were recovered safely at the end of the flight, proving that life could be sustained in a weightless environment. The capsule was transferred to the Smithsonian by the U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency in 1960.

 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 CRAFT-Missile & Rocket Parts Manufacturer U.S. Army
 Dimensions Overall: 104 in. high x 54 in. wide at base (264.2 x 137.2cm)
 Materials Metal - formerly had white plastic coating in place of the ablative material, but this plastic coating has been removed
 Inventory Number A19610041000 Credit Line Transferred from the United States Army Ballistic Missile Agency. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.