This is part of the residue from the payload from Explorer S-1, and was part of a payload inventory originally intended for the University of Iowa package to be flown on Vanguards and the early Explorer satellites. It was in George Ludwig's possession since they were built in the late 1950s. Donated by Dr. George Ludwig in 2006.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.