Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

The Lunar Orbiter spacecraft mapped the Moon in preparation for Apollo landings in the 1960s, completing five missions. Built by Boeing under contract to NASA’s Langley Research Center, the Lunar Orbiter’s highly complex imaging system delivered near global photographic coverage of the Moon, aiding in the determination of Apollo landing sites. Lunar Orbiter also provided scientific data that allowed the charting of radiation levels and gravity perturbations at the Moon. Among other things, Lunar Orbiter aided in knowledge development for Apollo’s highly accurate landings and precision rendezvous.

This Lunar Orbiter structure in the Smithsonian Institution’s collection was a backup vehicle constructed in the event of additional flights for the program. Although built as flight hardware, it served principally as a reference article for scientists and engineers on Earth during the flights of other vehicles to the Moon in the 1965-1968 period.

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-Test Vehicles Manufacturer Boeing Company
Dimensions 3-D: 177.8 x 457.2cm (70 in. x 15 ft.)
Materials Adhesive, Aluminum, Steel, Synthetic Fabric, Velcro, Wood, Paint, Mylar (Polyester)
Inventory Number A19700192000 Credit Line Transferred from the Boeing Company through NASA - Langley Research Center Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.