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“Klystron” is the generic name for the power amplifiers developed for use in radar and microwave devices. This was the first 100 kW Klystron ever built, a considerable technical accomplishment in itself. It was used to bounce radar beams off of the planet Venus and was able to track the planet around the Sun. The smaller 10kW Klystron could only be used when Venus approached near the Earth. The 100 kW Klystron was also used in the first radar exploration of the planet Mars. The 100 kW Klystron added significantly to our knowledge of the orbits of Venus and Mars.

The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory transferred this object to the Museum in 1984.

 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 Varian Associates
 Dimensions Storage (Rehoused on an aluminum pallet with two other objects): 123.2 × 123.2 × 133.7cm, 154.2kg (48 1/2 × 48 1/2 × 52 5/8 in., 340lb.)
 Materials Aluminum, Cadmium Plating, Teflon, Steel, Brass, Plastic, Paint
Rubber (Silicone)
 Inventory Number A19840658000 Credit Line Transferred from Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.