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These two metal spheres are an example of space debris that did not burn up upon reentering the atmosphere but instead survived to land on Earth. Discovered at Mt. Stuart Station, New South Wales, Australia, in April and June 1963, they are propellant tanks that were used to store fuel for control mechanisms in a U.S. Agena D spacecraft that was launched in the fall of 1962. Agena Ds were one of several different types of Agena upper stages used atop many boosters, including the Thor and Atlas. The U.S. Air Force donated them to the NASM in 1965.

 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 1962-1963 Country of Origin United States of America Type SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Propulsion Manufacturer Electrada Corp.
 Dimensions 3-D (Each): 41.9cm, 9.5kg (16 1/2 in., 21lb.)
 Materials Non-Ferrous Alloy
Paint
 Inventory Number A19650278000 Credit Line Transferred from the United States Air Force. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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