This is a flight spare solar axis drive from the Surveyor soft-landing program to the Moon in the 1960s. Although not flown to the Moon, it is identical to those on the five Surveyor spacecraft that successfully reached the Moon during the period from May 30, 1966 to January 9, 1968. The spacecraft was three-axis stabilized during cruise via such sensors as this, using the Sun and the star Canopus as attitude references, and a cold-gas reaction control system for attitude control.
The overall objectives of the Surveyor program were to accomplish soft landings on the Moon, obtain data concerning temperature, chemical composition, and load-bearing characteristics of the lunar soil in support of the Apollo program, televise high quality photographs of the lunar surface, and perform operations on the lunar surface that would contribute new scientific knowledge about the Moon.
Transferred from NASA - Jet Propulsion Laboratory to the Museum in 1973.
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-Parts & Structural Components
Manufacturer
Rosemount Engineering
Dimensions
8 7/8" x 2 3/8" Diameter
Materials
Anodized Aluminum
Aluminum
Plastic
Synthetic Rubber
Adhesive
Paper
Ink
Inventory Number
A19731147000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA-Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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