Country of Origin: United States of America
Dimensions:
3-D Test: 144.8cm (57 in.)
Storage: 167.64 x 109.22 x 167.64cm (5ft 6in. x 3ft 7in. x 5ft 6in.)
Materials:
Steel, Rubber (Silicone), Cadmium Plating, Aluminum, Brass, Paint, Synthetic Fabric, Foam, Epoxy
This object is the high gain antenna from a mock-up of Ranger VIII. Ranger VIII was a spacecraft that was designed as a hard lander on the Moon. During its final minutes up of flight before impact, Ranger VIII transmitted high-resolution photography of the lunar surface. The spacecraft carried six television video cameras, two full-scan cameras, and four partial scan cameras. Ranger VIII was launched on February 17, 1965, and reached the Moon on February 20, 1965. During its final 23 minutes of flight, Ranger VIII transmitted over 7,000 good quality photographs.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory transferred this object to the Smithsonian Institution in 1973.
Gift of William A. Saley
