Country of Origin: United States of America
Dimensions:
Overall: 2 ft. 6 in. tall x 1 ft. 1 in. wide, 25 lb. (76.2 x 33.02cm, 11.3kg)
Other (antennae): 2 ft. long (60.96cm)
Materials:
Metallic shell, phenolic mast
This is a full-scale replica of the Vanguard Magnetometer satellite, designated SLV-5 or Vanguard 3a. It was designed to study the Earth's magnetic field. The magnetometer sensor was at the end of the cylindrical boom to avoid interference from the other instruments. The satellite was launched on April 13, 1959 but failed to go into orbit due to loss of control during first stage separation. This replica was manufactured at the Naval Research Laboratory from original components. It was refurbished at the Goddard Space Flight Center prior to its transfer to NASM from NASA in March 1975. It was displayed in the Satellites Gallery (1976-1984).
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
