This is an unflown Model Rocket Industries A.8-2 model rocket motor. The "A.8-2" signifies that the power of the motor is in the lowest class (out of seven) established by the National Association of Rocketry. It is made of pasteboard and contains non-explosive propellant. A motor is used only once to power a model rocket.
G. Harry Stine, a pioneer in the field of flying rocket models, donated it to NASM in 1973.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.