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

One of several replicas and backup Explorer spacecraft in the collection. It is a full-size replica that consists of a machined metal shell of the payload section devoid of instrumentation, and is attached to a Sergeant, propellant-less, solid fuel rocket motor. It was transferred to the Smithsonian Institution by the Army Ballistic Missile Agency in September 1958. Explorer-1, also known unofficially as Satellite 1958 alpha, was the first American satellite to orbit 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 SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed Manufacturer Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology
U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency, Redstone Arsenal
 Dimensions Overall: 83 1/2 in. tall x 6 1/4 in. wide (212.1 x 15.9cm)
 Materials painted metal
 Inventory Number A19610039000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.