“Klystron” is the generic name for the power amplifiers developed for use in radar and microwave devices. This was the first 100 kW Klystron ever built, a considerable technical accomplishment in itself. It was used to bounce radar beams off of the planet Venus and was able to track the planet around the Sun. The smaller 10kW Klystron could only be used when Venus approached near the Earth. The 100 kW Klystron was also used in the first radar exploration of the planet Mars. The 100 kW Klystron added significantly to our knowledge of the orbits of Venus and Mars.
The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory transferred this object to the Museum in 1984.
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
EQUIPMENT-Electronics
Manufacturer
Varian Associates
Dimensions
Storage (Rehoused on an aluminum pallet with two other objects): 123.2 × 123.2 × 133.7cm, 154.2kg (48 1/2 × 48 1/2 × 52 5/8 in., 340lb.)
Materials
Aluminum, Cadmium Plating, Teflon, Steel, Brass, Plastic, Paint
Rubber (Silicone)
Inventory Number
A19840658000
Credit Line
Transferred from Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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