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This is a concept scale model (1:20) of the High Energy Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (HEAO-A). This was the first in a series of three High Energy Astronomical Observatory satellites created to correlate observations with data obtained from ground-based optical and radio telescopes. HEAO-A, launched on 12 August 1977, conducted an initial survey, mapping X-ray sources in the sky. The satellite contained four instruments designed to survey and map X-ray and gamma ray sources throughout the universe. These included three X-ray detectors and a hard X-ray/gamma detector. Data sent back during the nine months in which it was in orbit led to one of the first X-ray maps of the sky as well as the identification of 1500 new X-ray sources.

The model was transferred to NASM from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in 1975.

 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-Uncrewed Spacecraft & Parts Manufacturer NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
 Dimensions 3-D: 66.7 x 15.2 x 15.9cm (26 1/4 x 6 x 6 1/4 in.)
Storage (With Stand): 74.9 x 53.3 x 21.6cm (29 1/2 x 21 x 8 1/2 in.)
 Materials Plastic
Paint
Copper Alloy
Steel
Adhesive
Ink
 Inventory Number A19800397000 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.