This is a titanium propellant tank from a U.S. Agena-D upper stage that survived reentry and landed in Australia in the early 1970s. It is an example of an object in low-Earth orbit which because of the materials it is made does not burn up during reentry but survives and impacts on the surface of the Earth
The artifact was donated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.
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-Propulsion
Manufacturer
Airteck Dynamic Inc.
Dimensions
3-D: 61cm, 28kg (2 ft., 61.7lb.)
Materials
Titanium
Solder
Inventory Number
A19830129000
Credit Line
Gift of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.