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This is one of several full-scale replicas of Explorer 1 in the NASM collection. It consists of the payload section attached to an empty Sergeant fourth-stage, solid-fuel rocket motor. It was transferred to NASM by the U.S. Army Ordnance Museum in 1988. Explorer 1, also known unofficially as Satellite 1958 alpha, was the first American satellite to successfully orbit the Earth. Data from this and two subsequent Explorer satellites led to the discovery by James Van Allen of a belt of intense radiation surrounding the Earth.

 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 MODELS-Uncrewed Spacecraft & Parts Manufacturer Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology
 Dimensions Overall: 6 in. wide x 5 ft. 8 1/2 in. long, 28 lb. (15.2 x 174cm)
 Materials Metal shell
 Inventory Number A19890568000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Army Ordnance Museum Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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