This flag is a part of an MTV "Moonman" statuette (a Video Music Awards trophy) that was flown in space aboard the Russian space station Mir in September 1996. MTV's client Pepsi paid for the award to be launched to Mir so it would be aboard when host Dennis Miller spoke to the cosmonauts via satellite during the 1996 Video Music Awards show. For some reason, the statuette that was flown (with its base removed to save space and weight) contained two flags: this one that fit in the statuette's hand, and another duplicate flag with a thicker pole that did not fit in the hole in the silver astronaut's hand.
Although the pressures of live television and delays in voice transmission and language translation made conversation between Miller and the cosmonauts very awkward, the event fit the VMAs' reputation as an unconventional awards show where the unexpected happens.
MTV Networks donated the award, complete with both component flags, to the Museum in 2007.
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
AWARDS-Trophies
Designer
Manhattan Design
Dimensions
3-D: 6.4 x 0.3 x 24.3cm (2 1/2 x 1/8 x 9 9/16 in.)
Materials
Zinc, nickel silver plate, brass, paint
Inventory Number
A20080038001
Credit Line
Gift of MTV Networks
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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