This is a desktop model of the Soviet Soyuz expendable launch vehicle. Derived from the R-7 launch vehicle that sent Sputnik into orbit, this two-stage launch vehicle has added strap on boosters at its base and its core stage has been modified over the years to launch thirty human spaceflight missions with only two failures prior to its retirement in 1975. Subsequent modifications of the Soyuz have resulted an added extension to the name and the family of rockets continues to act of the workhorse of the Russian launch fleet, including launches from the Guiana Space Centre and sea launches.
The origin of this model is unknown at this time. The museum obtained it as part of a donation from an American collector.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.