This is the X-259, or Antares II, the third-stage, solid-fuel rocket motor for the all-solid fuel U.S. Scout launch vehicle. Antares II produced about 23,500 pounds of thrust. Like the other stages of the Scout, Antares was named after a star constellation. (The Scout's first, second, and fourth stages were the Algol, Castor, and Altair, respectively.)
The Scout was conceived in 1958 as a low-cost launch vehicle for light payloads. The first Scout was launched in 1960 and continued as a very successful vehicle. This object was donated to the Smithsonian in 1968 by the Alleghany Ballistic Laboratory.
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
ca. 1968
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PROPULSION-Rocket Engines
Manufacturer
Alleghany Ballistics Laboratory, Hercules Incorporated
Dimensions
Overall: 2 ft. 4 in. wide x 9 ft. 6 1/2 in. long x 2 ft. 5 in. diameter, 200 lb. (71.12 x 290.83 x 73.66cm, 90.7kg)
Materials
Filament-wound, resin-bonded glass fiber body with asbestos-filled SBR rubber. Windings by circumferential wraps of glass fiber coated with catalyzed epoxy resin. Aluminum nozzle fixture rings. Aluminum skirt rings bolted underneath forward dome.
Inventory Number
A19680240000
Credit Line
Gift of Alleghany Ballistics Laboratory
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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