The Stratospheric Aerosol Measurement 1 (SAM 1) instrument flew on the 1976 Apollo-Soyuz mission. It served as a proof-of-concept for a series of follow-on scientific instruments that studied the role of small particles (aerosols) over the Earth's polar regions, including those generated by human activity. Such data provided better understanding of the atmosphere as a physical system.

SAM 1 initiated a line of research that helped gather data on and model the ozone hole over the Antarctic. Operated by Apollo-Soyuz astronauts, SAM 1 was returned to Earth and subsequently transferred from NASA to the Museum in 2017.

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

INSTRUMENTS-Scientific

Manufacturer

Langley Research Center

Dimensions

3-D (Overall): 22.2 × 19 × 10.8cm (8 3/4 × 7 1/2 × 4 1/4 in.)

Materials

HAZMAT: Cadmium
Ferrous Alloy
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Anodized Aluminum
Paint
Possible Phenolic Resin
Copper Alloy
Plastics
Glass
Electrical Components
Paper
Ink
Adhesive

Inventory Number

A20181306000

Credit Line

Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Langley Research Center

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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