This is a duplicate of the phenolic resin heat shield that covered the Datasphere, the first instrumented package to be recovered from space by the United States. Launched by a U.S. Air Force Thor ballistic missile on 13 June 1958 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, it recorded information such as temperatures, pressures, and stresses critical to progress in the nation's spaceflight programs. The Datasphere reached an altitude of over 200 miles. Protected by the heat shield, it reentered the atmosphere at more than 10,000 miles an hour and was recovered intact in the South Atlantic. General Electric made this artifact and the Air Force donated it to NASM in 1959.
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-Instruments & Payloads
Manufacturer
General Electric Co.
Dimensions
Overall: 8 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 6 in. (21.6 × 45.7cm)
Materials
Phenolic Resin
Non-Magnetic Metals
Ink
Foam
Inventory Number
A19590102000
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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