This model depicts the ambitious space station Freedom concept that was promoted in the mid-to-late 1980s. Named by President Ronald Reagan as a beacon of American leadership in space, Freedom was meant to be a versatile facility for business and research in earth orbit. This concept proved to be too costly to gain lasting political support, and the project was reconfigured under President Bill Clinton to become the International Space Station. McDonnell Douglas, one of the bidders for the space station contract, gave this model to the Museum in 1988.
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-Crewed Spacecraft & Parts
Manufacturer
McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co.
Dimensions
3-D: 144.5 × 71 × 51.5cm (56 7/8 × 27 15/16 × 20 1/4 in.)
Materials
plastic, aluminum, paint, acrylic, polyester, decals
Inventory Number
A19880546000
Credit Line
Gift of McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
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