Satellite, Pioneer I, Reconstructed Replica
Object Details
- Manufacturer
- TRW Space & Technology Group
- Summary
- This is a replica of a Pioneer satellite intended to orbit the moon. Pioneer 1 was launched on October 11, 1958, but the final velocity was insufficient to escape the earth's gravity. The resulting trajectory took the satellite to an altitude of 70,700 mi. During the flight, the spacecraft transmitted 43 hours of scientific data. It burned up upon reentry into the earth's atmosphere two days later. This replica was assembled in 1963 by the prime contractor, Space Technology Laboratories Inc (TRW) from original parts that failed to meet flight specifications. It was displayed at the Los Angeles Museum of Science until February 1964 and then donated to the Smithsonian Institution by TRW. It was displayed in the NASM Satellites gallery from 1976 to 1983, loaned to the Scottish Museum from May to December 1984, and then was part of a SI Traveling exhibition. It is now in display storage at the Hazy Center.
- Alternate Name
- Pioneer 1 Satellite
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- See more items in
- National Air and Space Museum Collection
- Location
- National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
- Exhibition
- Destination Moon
- Credit Line
- Gift of TRW Space Technology Laboratories
- Data Source
- National Air and Space Museum
- Inventory Number
- A19640665000
- Type
- SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Guidance & Control
- Restrictions & Rights
- CC0
- Materials
- Shell: laminated plastic Aluminum Paint Adhesive Tape Plastic Copper Alloy Adhesive Sticker
- Dimensions
- Overall: 2 ft. 5 in. wide x 2 ft. 6 in. deep, 24 lb. (73.7 x 76.2cm, 10.9kg)
- Record ID
- nasm_A19640665000
Metallic blue colored truncated cylinder capped by two cones with silver rods extending in all directions over one hemisphere. Brown stripes intersperse the blue skin.
