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 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 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 1:16 scale model of the Thor Able rocket that launched the RVX 1-5 reentry vehicle on 8 April 1959, the first reentry vehicle recovered by the United States after an intercontinental-range flight. The first stage Thor was a modified U.S. Air Force intermediate-range ballistic missile and the Able was the second stage.

Launched from Cape Canaveral, the RVX 1-5 was recovered in the South Atlantic after a down-range flight of 10,180 km (6,325 miles), during which it reached temperatures above 6650 C (12,000 F). Instruments within the RVX 1-5, along with the nose cone which was removed after recovery and had holes drilled in it for testing, provided valuable scientific data to the Air Force.

This model's manufacturer is unknown. Kenneth Newland donated it to the museum in 1960.

 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 Unknown
 Dimensions Overall: 131.45 x 13.97 x 13.97cm (4ft 3 3/4in. x 5 1/2in. x 5 1/2in.)
 Materials Wood
Paint
Plastic
Adhesive
Brass
 Inventory Number A19630429000 Credit Line Gift of the U.S. Air Force Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.