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This Datasphere was the first instrumented package to be recovered from space by the United States. Launched by a U.S. Air Force Thor ballistic missile on 13 June 1958 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, it recorded information such as temperatures, pressures, and stresses critical to progress in the nation's spaceflight programs. The Datasphere reached an altitude of over 200 miles, reentered the atmosphere at more than 10,000 miles an hour, and was recovered intact in the South Atlantic. General Electric made the Datasphere and the Air Force donated it to NASM in 1959.

 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-Test Vehicles Manufacturer General Electric Co.
 Dimensions Overall: 1 ft. 6 in. (45.7cm)
 Materials Poly-Foam
Flame-Resistant Material
Electronic Wiring
Copper Alloy
Adhesive Tape
Plastics
 Inventory Number A19590101000 Credit Line Transferred from the United States Air Force. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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