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 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

The Little Joe II is a solid-propellant rocket for launching Project Apollo "boilerplate" space capsules on tests of the Launch Escape System (LES). The LES consisted of a tower with solid-fuel rockets to pull the Apollo Command Module off the launch vehicle, plus aBoost Protective Cover over the Command Module. Five Little Joe II vehicles were flown from 1963 to 1966, simulating various launch emergencies on Apollo-Saturn rockets that required the LES to pull the Command Module and its crew away from the failing booster. All were launched at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, and all were successful. The concept was based on the earlier Little Joe rocket NASA had used to test the Mercury capsule’s escape tower.

NASA transferred this Little Joe II to the Smithsonian Institution in 1974.

 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 CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets Manufacturer General Dynamics Corp., Convair Division
 Dimensions Overall: 1034 3/8 in. long x 153 5/8 in. diameter x 324 in. span (2627.38 x 390.14 x 822.96cm)
 Materials Body, overall, corrugated aluminum panels
 Inventory Number A19740926000 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.