Omnidirectional antennas were a staple of NASA’s early planetary exploration craft. Early Ranger (Blocks I through III), Mariner, and lunar-orbiting spacecraft all featured omnidirectional medium-gain antennae at their apexes. For Ranger, most of the antenna remained covered, with only the very tip protruding from a conical encasing like this one.
This antenna cone was transferred to the Museum from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 1976.
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-Communications
Manufacturer
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology
Dimensions
3-D: 44.5 x 43.2cm (17 1/2 x 17 in.)
Storage: 43.82 x 54.61 x 43.82cm (1ft 5 1/4in. x 1ft 9 1/2in. x 1ft 5 1/4in.)
Materials
Aluminum, Paint, Phenolic Resin, Cadmium Plating, Brass, Adhesive, Synthetic Fabric
Inventory Number
A19761262000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.