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This is one-half of the solar shield from a backup unit for the Apollo Telescope Mount. This assembly was the main scientific platform aboard Skylab, the first manned space observatory, which was placed in orbit in 1973. It was occupied over eight months by three successive crews. Built by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, the telescope mount was attached to Skylab's Multiple Docking Adapter. It held eight major scientific instruments and several smaller experiments that were operated from within Skylab. Astronauts used the instrument s to study the Sun's surface and atmosphere in visible and ultraviolet light, as well as by x-ray emission. Most of the instruments recorded data on photographic film, which the astronauts replaced as needed.

NASA transferred the telescope mount to NASM in 1982. It was displayed in the Stars gallery from then until the exhibit closed in 1997.

 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-Crewed-Parts & Structural Components Manufacturer NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
 Dimensions Overall: 168in. (426.72cm)
Semicircle, outside diameter 14 ft. (4.3 m)
Approximate: 218.2cm (7 ft.)
 Materials Mixed metals, paint
 Inventory Number A19830234005 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.