This is a refurbished full-scale replica of the Explorer 17 aeronomy satellite. Explorer 17 was one of the first launched by NASA to study the Earth's upper atmosphere. The pressurized stainless steel sphere carried instruments to measure density, pressure, and temperature. It also contained a neutral mass spectrometer to study the composition of the gases in the upper atmosphere. The satellite was placed in a 158- to 570-mile orbit on April 3, 1963 by a Thor Delta launch vehicle. Data from the mass spectrometer showed the presence of molecular oxygen, atomic and molecular nitrogen and argon in the upper atmosphere; it also led to the discovery of a belt of neutral helium about the Earth. Constructed of original parts, it was refurbished by technicians at the Goddard Space Flight Center prior to its transfer to NASM from NASA in March 1975.
Display Status
This object is on display in Space Science at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed
Manufacturer
NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center
Dimensions
Overall: 2 ft. 11 in. wide, 80 lb. (88.9cm, 36.3kg)
Materials
Stainless steel
Alternate Name
Explorer 17 Satellite (Replica)
Inventory Number
A19751409000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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