This Scan Actuator Motor, built by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of Pasadena, California, is part of the Voyager 2 attitude and control system. It was used to "slew" the sensors (rotate them slowly, so that they stayed focused on a target) as the spacecraft passed by the planet Uranus. This motor is a flight-qualified spare, used in laboratory simulations to resolve in-flight problems encountered by the Voyager spacecraft.

Voyager 2 was an unmanned space probe which, in 1986, passed close to the planet Uranus, when it transmitted images of its surface back to Earth.

Donated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

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

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology

Dimensions

Overall: 4 1/2 in. long x 3 1/4 in. diameter (11.43 x 8.26cm)
Other (aluminum frame): 8 in. tall x 9 in. wide x 8 in. deep (20.32 x 22.86 x 20.32cm)

Materials

Steel, Aluminum, Rubber (Silicone), Brass, Epoxy, Mylar (Polyester), Synthetic Fabric, Adhesive, Plastic

Inventory Number

A19990062001

Credit Line

Transfer from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.