Full-scale mock-up of the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite. It was built at the Goddard Space Flight Center to test integration and fit of the equipment to be carried on the mission. The mock-up is composed of metal, wood, aluminum, and aluminum coated Mylar. There are no functional elements. The IUE was launched by a Thor-Delta rocket on January 26, 1978 and placed into a geosynchronous orbit around the Earth. It carries a 45-centimeter (17.7-inch) Cassegrain reflecting telescope with two spectrographs that sense a major part of the ultraviolet region of the spectrum (1150-3250 Angstroms). In March 1983 the artifact was transferred to the Museum from NASA's Goddard Spaceflight Center.
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
NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center
Dimensions
Overall: 5 ft. wide x 9 ft. deep, 310 lb. (152.4 x 274.3cm, 140.6kg)
Other (solar panel span): 15 ft. wide (457.2cm)
Materials
Metal, wood, aluminum, aluminum coated Mylar
Inventory Number
A19830128000
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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