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Solar Wind Composition Experiment, for which this artifact was a test article, collected samples of the solar wind for analysis on Earth. This experiment was performed on Apollo 11, 12, 14, 15, and 16. It consisted of an aluminum foil sheet, 1.4 meters by 0.3 meters, that was deployed on a pole facing the sun. At the conclusion of the mission astronauts returned the foil to scientists for analysis of the chemical composition of the embedded solar wind.

 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 EQUIPMENT-Lunar Manufacturer NASA - Johnson Space Center
 Dimensions Approximate: 140 x 23cm (4ft 7 1/8in. x 9 1/16in.)
Tube: 13 7/8" x 1 7/16" diam.
Panel: 54 1/2" x 11 3/4"
 Materials Aluminum
Kapton
Paper
Adhesive
Steel
Plastic
 Inventory Number A19810866000 Credit Line Transferred from NASA-Johnson Space Center Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.