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This low power neutral particle beam (NPB) accelerator developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory was one of several directed energy weapons investigated by the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization for possible use in missile defense. As part of the Beam Experiments Aboard Rocket project, it was launched from White Sands in July 1989 to an altitude of 200 kilometers (124 miles), operated successfully in space, and after reentry was recovered intact. The test's goals included determining NPB propagation characteristics in space and the effects on spacecraft components. Although research continued into NPBs, no deployed weapon has ever employed this technology.

Los Alamos transferred this artifact to the Museum in 2006.

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

SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Instruments & Payloads

Manufacturer

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Dimensions

Overall (BEAR) : 13ft 8in. x 3ft 7in. (416.56 x 109.22cm)
Overall (dolly) : 5ft 7in. x 4ft 7in. x 12ft (170.18 x 139.7 x 365.76cm)
Overall (arm of the dolly) : 7ft 1in. (215.9cm)

Materials

Aluminum, Kapton (Polymide), Plastic, Copper, Stainless Steel, Rubber (Silicone), Paint, Acrylic (Plexiglas), Gold Plating, Fiberglas, Synthetic Fabric, Adhesive, Brass, Teflon, Phenolic Resin, Cadmium plating
foam
dolly - metal

Inventory Number

A20070004000

Credit Line

Transferred from the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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