This is an engineering prototype of Orbiting Solar Observatory 1 (OSO-1), the earliest of the spin stabilized scientific satellites. This object touted the ability of the satellite's systems to search out and lock onto a "solar" image. It demonstrated the sun-pointing capabilities of the satellite. It contains actual instruments in the octagonal spin section, and mock-ups in the pointed section, save for the photoelectric eye block. Ball Aerospace Systems Division restored this engineering prototype in 1982.
Transferred from the NASA to the Museum in 1981.
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
Date
1983-1997
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed
Manufacturer
Ball Aerospace Systems Division
Dimensions
Overall: 3 ft. 1 in. tall x 10 ft. 6 in. wide, 415 lb. (94 x 320cm, 188.2kg)
Other (spacecraft body): 3 ft. 1 in. tall x 3 ft. 8 in. diameter (94 x 111.8cm)
Materials
Magnesium and aluminum alloys, optics, electronics, solar cells
Inventory Number
A19820270000
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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