1 Images

This is a half-scale model of the Magnetic Field Satellite, also known as Magsat. The model was built at the Applied Physics Laboratory of The Johns Hopkins University, the manufacturer of the original satellite. The model is currently displayed at NASM in the Exploring the Planets gallery.

The Magsat project was a joint effort by NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey. It was the first spacecraft designed specifically to provide information on the near-earth magnetic field and crustal anomalies. The bus of the flight object was fabricated with spare hardware from the Small Astronomical Satellite (SAS-C) program. Its appearance is marked by four windmill-like solar panels and a long scissors-type boom that carries the magnetometer sensor. The latter trailed 6 meters behind the bus in flight to minimize possible interference from other equipment. The satellite was launched from Vandenberg on October 30, 1979, into a near-polar orbit on a Scout vehicle.

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

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Dimensions

3-D: 71.8 × 34.3 × 33cm (2 ft. 4 1/4 in. × 1 ft. 1 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 1 in.)
3-D: 74.3 × 18.4 × 1.3cm (2 ft. 5 1/4 in. × 7 1/4 in. × 1/2 in.)
Overall: 2 ft. 8 in. × 5 ft. 7 in. × 10 ft. (81.3 × 170.2 × 304.8cm)

Materials

HAZ MAT: Cadmium
Plastics
Adhesives
Wood
Adhesive Tape
Vinyl
Ferrous Alloy
Paints
Kapton
Aluminized Kapton
Aluminum Alloys

Inventory Number

A19820210000

Credit Line

Gift of Johns Hopkins University

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

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