Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This is the largest remaining hardware from Project Orion. Project Orion was to test the nuclear pulse concept of successive explosions of small nuclear bombs for extremely fast and powerful propulsion for deep space missions, although this test model, known as "Hot Rod," used conventional high explosives to test the feasibility of the pulse concept. It was designed and built by the General Atomics Division of the General Dynamics Corporation.

The test was conducted in 1959 at Point Loma, California. The vehicle's five rapid successive explosions sent shock waves against a well-protected pusher plate, driving the vehicle forward. "Hot Rod" was then recovered by parachute. Project Orion was cancelled in 1965. This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 1972 by the Gulf General Atomic Co.

 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 PROPULSION-Miscellaneous Manufacturer General Atomics Division, General Dynamics Corporation
 Dimensions Storage (Housed in a wooden crate): 217.2 × 146.7 × 158.8cm, 301.6kg (85 1/2 × 57 3/4 × 62 1/2 in., 665lb.)
 Materials HAZMAT: Possible Cadmium Plating
Fiberboard, fabric, wood, aluminum and other metals, plastic, and rope
 Inventory Number A19721008000 Credit Line Gulf General Atomics Division, General Dynamics Corporation Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.