This is a 1/5 scale model of the Surveyor spacecraft, which was used by NASA and Hughes Aircraft Company engineering teams for demonstration and technical discussions during the soft-landing lunar program. This miniature spacecraft was built by Hughes model makers working from original plans of the flight spacecraft. It closely represents the Surveyor III spacecraft that was later examined by the Apollo 12 astronauts. Five of the seven spacecraft built by Hughes for NASA successfully landed on the moon during the period from June 1966 to January 1968, paving the way for a manned landing on the Moon. Object is currently on display in the Exploring the Planets gallery, NASM 207.
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
MODELS-Uncrewed Spacecraft & Parts
Manufacturer
Hughes Aircraft Co.
Dimensions
Overall (1:5 scale): 1 ft. 10 1/8 in. tall x 2 ft. 5 3/4 in. wide x 2 ft. 5 3/4 in. deep, 31 lb. (56.2 x 75.6 x 75.6cm, 14.1kg)
Materials
White frame, paddles, blades, feet, and packages. Blue simulated solar cells. Bright steel engines and structural parts. Aluminum packages, spheres, and component parts. Some spheres black and white striped.
Inventory Number
A19690236000
Credit Line
Gift of Hughes Aircraft Company
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
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