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This full-size mock-up of the Explorer 8 spacecraft is one of two specimens of this satellite in the collection. Explorer 8 was launched on November 3, 1960 atop a Juno II vehicle and successfully went into orbit. The spacecraft carried six specialized instruments designed to study the field of charged particles that surround the earth called the ionosphere. Explorer 8 continued to provide data until December 27, 1960. The mock-up was transferred to the Smithsonian Institution in May 1974 by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, where the flown version was built and operated.

 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 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
 Dimensions 3-D: 78.7 × 76.2cm (2 ft. 7 in. × 2 ft. 6 in.)
 Materials HAZ MAT: Cadmium
Magnesium
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Solder
Rubber
Natural Fiber Thread
Ferrous Alloy
Electrical Components
 Inventory Number A19750180000 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.