Soviet model makers built this spacecraft based on the designs and notes of Konstantin Tsiolkovsky. Late in his life, much of Tsiolkovsky's theoretical work focused on ideas about transporting humans into space on board rockets. Although this model, reflecting the scientist's ideas, grossly overestimates the living space available on board a rocket, it does convey a sophisticated understanding of the physical constraints of space travel for that time. Among Tsiolkovsky's concerns were the effects of acceleration and weightlessness on the human body.

Gift of the Tsiolkovsky Russian National Space Museum, Kaluga, Russia.

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

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

Type

MODELS-Science Fiction

Owner

Tsiolkovsky Space Museum

Dimensions

3-D: 36.7 × 132.1 × 38.3cm (1 ft. 2 7/16 in. × 4 ft. 4 in. × 1 ft. 3 1/16 in.)

Materials

Plastic, metal, foam rubber, lacquer paints

Inventory Number

A20110015000

Credit Line

Gift of Tsiolkovsky Space Museum, Russia

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Open Access (CCO)
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