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This is a mockup of a grazing incidence X-ray spectrometer typical of those flown by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) on Aerobee sounding rockets in the 1950s. This so-called "breadboard model" was built at NRL from discarded Aerobee Model IV era parts by DeWitt Purcell. He also incorporated several pieces from an original flight instrument. It has a shiny metal cover, which is removed for display. It was transferred to NASM in 1993.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Boeing Aviation Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Boeing Aviation Hangar
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type INSTRUMENTS-Scientific Manufacturer Naval Research Laboratory
 Dimensions 3-D: 25.4 x 10.2 x 5.1cm (10 x 4 x 2 in.)
 Materials Overall - all metallic except for electrical insulation and optical components
 Inventory Number A19930320000 Credit Line Transferred from the Naval Research Laboratory Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.