This is an unflown thrust cone from the Corona photoreconnaissance satellite program. The film in the cameras was reeled onto the spools in film return capsules, the capsules separated from the rest of the satellite, and then spin rockets and the retrorocket on the thrust cone engaged before the thrust cone separated from the capsule at about 550,000 feet. The heat shield was jettisoned at about 60,000 feet, and then two parachutes deployed that enabled an Air Force plane to gather in the capsule.
From August 1960 to May 1972, there were over 120 successful Corona missions that provided invaluable intelligence on the Soviet Union and other nations.
This thrust cone was made by General Electric, and donated to NASM by the National Reconnaissance Office in 1995.
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 Company
Dimensions
Storage (Rehoused on an aluminum pallet): 122.6 × 122.6 × 88.9cm, 88.5kg (48 1/4 × 48 1/4 × 35 in., 195lb.)
Materials
Non-Magnetic White Metal Alloy
Plastic
Steel
Wood
Adhesive
Paper
Ink
Possible Cadmium Plating
Inventory Number
A19950118003
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Reconnaissance Office
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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