National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Past Exhibition
This is a 1:48 scale model of the Jupiter-C, a four-stage rocket developed by the U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency that used a modified Redstone ballistic missile as its first stage. In 1956 and 1957 it was used to launch components of the Jupiter intermediate-range ballistic missile for testing purposes. After the USSR launched the world's first satellite (Sputnik I) in October 1957, the Army placed America's first satellite (Explorer I) in orbit on January 31, 1958, using the Jupiter-C. The rocket was used several more times in the following two years to launch subsequent Explorer and Beacon satellites. NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center built this model and transferred it to NASM in 1972.
Display Status
This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MODELS-Missiles & Rockets
Manufacturer
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Dimensions
Overall: 1 ft. 5 1/2 in. long x 3 1/4 in. diameter (44.45 x 8.26cm) 1:48 scale.
Materials
Wood rocket and base.
Inventory Number
A19720992000
Credit Line
Gift of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
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