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 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

This open cockpit component is a part of a buildable plastic Space Shuttle playset made by Tomy Toys of Japan. Rather than creating a unified orbiter, the set separated the vehicle into different components that could be assembled in various ways. The result was a versatile toy that could incorporate some or all of the pieces in play. The white main body and cockpit echo the original coloring and general shape of the actual reusable space vehicle. The blue plastic payload bay doors open in a way that includes the vertical stabilizer as a part of them. In addition, the distinctive delta wings are composed of separate pieces that can be added or not. The set also included separate engines and main bay pieces, a rover with a magnetic winch, two dish antennae, and two astronaut figures with a magnetic jet backpack.

Toys like this set represent the many ways that children could learn about the Space Shuttle Program through play. Whether or not the toy represented all aspects of the appearance and capabilities of an orbiter accurately, children could learn to name and identify winged and wheeled spacecraft as Space Shuttle orbiters.

Valerie Neal donated the toy to the Museum in 2008.

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 Japan Type MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture Manufacturer Tomy Toys
Dimensions 3-D: 11.4 x 8.9 x 8.3cm (4 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 3 1/4 in.)
Materials Plastic, decals, adhesive
Inventory Number A20080198001 Credit Line Gift of Valerie Neal. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.