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This is an instrumented full-scale replica of the Vanguard Lyman Alpha satellite, also called SLV-1. It was designed to provide data on solar radiation in the 1100-1300 Angstrom region, known as the Lyman alpha band. The satellite was launched on May 27, 1958 but failed to go into orbit due to malfunction of the launch rocket. The replica was manufactured at the Naval Research Laboratory and may have been a flight spare. It was refurbished by technicians at the Goddard Space Flight Center prior to its transfer to NASM from NASA in March 1975. It was on display at the Science Museum in London, England until 1988.

 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 Naval Research Laboratory
 Dimensions Overall: 1 ft. 8 in. wide, 10 lb. (50.8cm, 4.5kg)
Other (antennae): 2 ft. 6 in. long (76.2cm)
 Materials Aluminum
 Alternate Name Vanguard Lyman Alpha satellite Inventory Number A19751413000 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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