These two metal spheres are an example of space debris that did not burn up upon reentering the atmosphere but instead survived to land on Earth. Discovered at Mt. Stuart Station, New South Wales, Australia, in April and June 1963, they are propellant tanks that were used to store fuel for control mechanisms in a U.S. Agena D spacecraft that was launched in the fall of 1962. Agena Ds were one of several different types of Agena upper stages used atop many boosters, including the Thor and Atlas. The U.S. Air Force donated them to the NASM in 1965.
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
Date
1962-1963
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Propulsion
Manufacturer
Electrada Corp.
Dimensions
3-D (L x W x H) (Propellant Storage Tank): 40.6 × 40.6 × 45.7cm, 10kg (1 ft. 4 in. × 1 ft. 4 in. × 1 ft. 6 in., 22lb.)
3-D (L x W x H) (Hexboard Storage Dimensions): 45.7 × 45.7 × 48.3cm, 10.9kg (1 ft. 6 in. × 1 ft. 6 in. × 1 ft. 7 in., 24lb.)
Materials
Non-Ferrous Alloy
Paint
Inventory Number
A19650278000
Credit Line
Transferred from the United States Air Force.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.