This engineering mock-up of the Surveyor spacecraft consists of an authentic structure with simulated wood instrumentation. This mock up closely resembles the Surveyor III spacecraft, visited by the Apollo 12 astronauts on the Moon. This Surveyor III mockup was on loan to CBS News in New York during the Apollo 12 mission. Television broadcasts from the Moon during this mission ended when astronaut Alan Bean accidentally pointed the television camera into the sun, burning out the lens. Since voice communication was still available CBS placed two actors in space suits next to this artifact to simulate the activities on the lunar surface. Five Surveyor spacecraft successfully soft landed on the Moon during the period from May 30, 1966 to January 9, 1968, in support of the Apollo program.
This object was transferred from NASA.
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
Hughes Aircraft Co.
Dimensions
Storage: 228.6 x 215.9cm, 997.9kg, 238.8cm (90 x 85 in., 2200lb., 94 in.)
Materials
Aluminum, wood, paint, steel, mylar (Polyester), adhesive, Plastic, inconel, brass
Inventory Number
A19680457000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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