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 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

This is a full-scale replica of the Explorer 6 satellite. The spacecraft was designed to study the electrical and magnetic fields about the Earth and to test devices for scanning cloud cover. It was launched on August 7, 1959. Over its 60 days of operation it provided the most comprehensive data up to then of the Van Allen radiation belts and the geomagnetic field, as well as the first televised cloud cover pictures. This replica was assembled by the program coordinator, Space Technology Laboratories Inc., from original parts that failed to meet flight specifications. The solar panels are plastic mock-ups. The artifact was displayed at the California Museum of Science and Industry until February 1964, at which time it was donated by STL to the Smithsonian Institution.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Space Science at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Space Science
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed Manufacturer TRW Space & Technology Group
 Dimensions Overall: 2 ft. 5 in. tall x 2 ft. 2 in. wide, 50 lb. (73.7 x 66cm, 22.7kg)
 Materials Aluminum alloy; plastic solar cells
 Alternate Name Explorer 6 Satellite (Reconstructed Replica) Inventory Number A19640667000 Credit Line Gift of TRW Space Technology Laboratories Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.