This is an assembled version of the final production model of the first commercially made U.S. flying model rocket kit, manufactured in June 1959 by Galactic Enterprises Inc. The model is named the Aerobee-Hi and is based on the sounding rocket of the same name which flew experiments for the Naval Research Laboratory. It has a pasteboard body, balsa fins, rubber nose, and a plastic parachute. A solid propellant rocket motor propels the model, and then at the end of the vertical flight it forces the release of a parachute. The model is then retrieved and can be used again. The model is launched from a launch pad, with a hand-held launch controller being used to ignite the motor.
G. Harry Stine, one of the American pioneers in the field of flying rocket and missile models, donated the model to the Smithsonian in 1973.
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
Date
1959
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MODELS-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
Galactic Enterprises
Dimensions
Other: 1ft 2in. x 2 7/8in. (35.6 x 7.3cm)
Materials
Cardboard
Rubber
Plastic
Paint
Wood
Aluminum
Paper
Cotton
Inventory Number
A19930823000
Credit Line
Gift of G. Harry Stine
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.