This is the Redstone, one of the most historically important developments in U.S. rocket technology. It was the U.S.'s first large-scale operational liquid-propellant missile and was modified as the Jupiter-C that placed the U.S.'s first artificial satellite, Explorer 1, into orbit in 1958. In 1961, the Mercury-Redstone rocket launched the first American into space, Alan B. Shepard.
As a missile, the Redstone had a range of 200-250 miles and carried either a conventional or nuclear warhead. The Redstone made its first successful flight in 1953 and became operational in 1958. It was replaced by the all-solid-fuel Pershing missile in 1964.
This missile was donated to the Smithsonian in 1978 by the U.S. Army.
Display Status
This object is on display in Human Spaceflight at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
CRAFT-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
Chrysler Corporation, Michigan Army Missile Plant
Dimensions
Overall: 63 ft. tall x 5 ft. 10 in. diameter x 7 ft. 5 in. wing span (1920.24 x 177.8 x 226.06cm)
Materials
Aluminum alloy body, engine, steel; six fiberglass bottles above engine; nose cone tip, overall, aluminum
Alternate Name
Redstone Missile
Inventory Number
A19780064000
Credit Line
Transferred from U.S. Army
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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