This is a 1/20th scale model of the Pegasus A satellite, a spacecraft that consisted of a very large wing-like micro-meteoroid detector connected to a central instrument bus. It was placed in orbit on a Saturn (S-1 and S-IV stages) vehicle on 16 February 1965. Once in orbit, the 14-foot wide, 96-foot long array of detector panels was deployed by a combination of springs and a scissors jack-like linkage driven by electric motors. Operation of the array of flat plate capacitors constructed out of polyurethane foam core with an aluminum-mylar-copper laminated skin, was only partly successful. The spacecraft was still providing some data as late as 1980. Pegasus I was the first of two satellites designed to provide data on the intensity and direction of meteoroid bombardment in near-Earth orbit.
The model was transferred to NASM by NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center in May 1974.
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
MODELS-Uncrewed Spacecraft & Parts
Dimensions
Overall: 8in. x 4ft 6in. x 4in. (20.32 x 137.16 x 10.2cm)
Materials
Base - Wood Satellite: plastic and metal, adhesive, paint
Inventory Number
A19750182000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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