This data recorder from the Surveyor spacecraft would record data from the various instruments on the Surveyor Moon lander, and then relay it back to Earth through the Deep Space Network of tracking stations. Although a non-flight item, it is identical to those sent to the Moon on the five Surveyor spacecraft that successfully landed on the Moon during the period from May 30, 1966 to January 9, 1968. The overall objectives of the Surveyor program were to accomplish soft landings on the Moon, obtain data concerning temperature, chemical composition, and load-bearing characteristics of the lunar soil in support of the Apollo program, televise high quality photographs of the lunar surface, and perform operations on the lunar surface that would contribute new scientific knowledge about the Moon.
Donated by Hughes Aircraft Co. to the Museum in 1969.
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
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Communications
Manufacturer
Hughes Aircraft Co.
Dimensions
3-D (Display Case): 30.5 x 30.5 x 30.5cm (12 x 12 x 12 in.)
Materials
Rubber (Silicone), Acrylic (Plexiglas), Adhesive, Plastic, Paper, Copper, Nylon, Steel, Aluminum, Gold Plating, Mylar (Polyester)
Inventory Number
A19700328000
Credit Line
Gift of Hughes Aircraft Company
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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