This is the capsule cover for the Discoverer XIII reentry capsule that was recovered north of Hawaii by the U.S. Navy on August 11, 1960, the first man-made object to be recovered from orbit. The Discoverer XIII satellite had been launched the previous day from Vandenberg AFB. "Discoverer" was the cover name for the highly classified U.S. Air Force/Central Intelligence Agency Corona photoreconnaissance satellite program. The Discoverer XIII satellite did not carry cameras or film, and the capsule contained only diagnostic instruments. Corona satellites, however, carried cameras and film beginning with Discoverer XIV one week later. By the end of the Corona program in May 1972, over 120 Corona satellites had successfully flown and photographed the Soviet Union, China, and other nations. The capsule and cover were made by General Electric and donated by the U.S. Air Force to NASM in 1960.
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-Parts & Structural Components
Manufacturer
General Electric Company
Dimensions
3-D (Overall): 24.8 × 73.7cm (9 3/4 in. × 2 ft. 5 in.)
Materials
HAZMAT: Cadmium
Non-Magnetic Metals
Ferrous Alloy
Paint
Adhesive Tape
Rubber
Synthetic Fiber Fabric (Nylon)
Inventory Number
A19610100002
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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