Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This is a full-scale reproduction of the Jupiter-C launch vehicle built by the Reynolds Metals Company. It has a replica of the Explorer I satellite on top. The Jupiter-C launched the Explorer I on January 31, 1958 as the U.S.'s first artificial satellite.

The Jupiter-C was a modified Army Redstone liquid-fuel rocket with solid-fuel upper stages and a slightly more powerful main stage engine. The Explorer 1 instruments recorded cosmic rays, micrometeorites, temperatures, and radiations. This rocket was transferred to the Smithsonian by the Army in 1959.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Boeing Aviation Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Boeing Aviation Hangar
Object Details
Key Accomplishment(s) Launch Vehicle for First U.S. Artificial Satellite Brief Description This is a full-scale reproduction of the Jupiter-C launch vehicle with a replica of the Explorer I satellite on top. A Jupiter-C rocket launched the Explorer I satellite on January 31, 1958. Date 1958 Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets Manufacturer Reynolds Metals Company
 Dimensions Overall: 66 ft. 7 3/16 in. tall x 5 ft. 10 in. diameter, 64200 lb. (2029.97 x 177.8cm, 29120.9kg)
 Materials Body, mainly aluminum; some steel including rocket engine and launch stand; exhaust vanes, carbon phenolic.
 Alternate Name Jupiter-C Rocket (Replica) Inventory Number A19590068000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Army Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.