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This is an unassembled Mercury Redstone flying rocket model built by Estes Industries. It is based on the rocket of the same that launched America's first two astronauts into space in suborbital flights. The model has a pasteboard body, balsa nosecone and fins, and a plastic parachute. A solid propellant rocket motor propels the model, and then at the end of the vertical flight it forces the release of a parachute. The model is then retrieved and can be used again. Not included in this kit are the motor, the launch controller that is used to ignite the motor, and the launch pad from which the model is launched.

G. Harry Stine, one of the American pioneers in the hobby of flying models, donated this model to NASM in 1973.

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

MODELS-Missiles & Rockets

Manufacturer

Estes Industries, Inc.

Dimensions

Other (retail package): 2in. x 1ft 8 3/4in. x 5 3/4in. (5.08 x 52.71 x 14.61cm)

Materials

Packaging: Plastic
Kit: Cardboard, Plastic, Wood, Adhesive, Rubber, Nylon, Paper
Instructions: Paper

Inventory Number

A19930672000

Credit Line

Gift of G. Harry Stine

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use.