This is a backup for the instrument spar for the Apollo Telescope Mount used on the Skylab manned space observatory. That assembly consisted of a 4-meter (14-foot) Sun shield, a scientific instrument canister, and an internal spar assembly that held the major instruments within the canister.
NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center designed and constructed the telescope mount and in 1982 transferred the backup instrument canister, Sun shield, and spar assembly to the Smithsonian. The sunward part of the canister and the Sun shield were reassembled and displayed in the National Air and Space Museum's Stars gallery.
Display Status
This object is on display in Space Science at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Crewed-Life Support
Manufacturer
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Dimensions
3-D (Weight is APPROXIMATE): 243.8 × 426.7cm, 1360.8kg (96 in. × 14 ft., 3000lb.)
Storage (Crate): 242.6 × 340.4 × 264.2cm (95 1/2 in. × 11 ft. 2 in. × 104 in.)
Materials
Aluminized Kapton, Mylar (Polyester), Aluminum, Steel, Plastic, Stainless Steel, Velcro, Adhesive, Phenolic Resin, Synthetic Fabric, Epoxy, Glass, Rubber (Silicone)
Inventory Number
A19830234002
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.