This pylon was used to carry a U.S. ASAT (anti-satellite) missile below its launch aircraft. The ASAT missile was developed by the U.S. Air Force in the early 1980s as the prototype of a vehicle meant to shoot down orbiting satellites. Launched by a high-flying aircraft, the ASAT was designed to home in and destroy enemy spacecraft by kinetic energy--a concept known as "hit-to-kill." A total of five ASATs were flight tested, including one launched from an F-15 fighter that intercepted and destroyed an obsolete U.S. satellite on September 13, 1985. The program was cancelled later that year.
Boeing made this pylon and the U.S. Air Force donated it to the Museum in 1990.
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
ARMAMENT-Miscellaneous
Manufacturer
Boeing Aircraft
Dimensions
Other: 4ft 2in. x 18ft 2in. (127 x 553.7cm)
Materials
Stainless Steel, Plastic, Paint, Steel, Epoxy, Nylon, Synthetic Fabric, Rubber (Silicone), Cadmium Plating, , Adhesive, Aluminum, Foam, Stainless Fabric
Inventory Number
A19900065000
Credit Line
Transferred from the United States Air Force
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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