Satellite, Pioneer V, Reconstructed Replica
Object Details
- Manufacturer
- TRW Space & Technology Group
- Summary
- This is a replica of the Pioneer V satellite. The spacecraft was designed to send back scientific data on interplanetary space while in orbit about the sun. It was launched on March, 11 1960 and entered an orbit around the Sun between the Earth and Venus. Pioneer V provided a wealth of new data on interplanetary space including measurements of magnetic fields, cosmic radiation, electrical fields, and micrometeorites. It transmitted information until June 26, 1960, when it was 22.5 million miles from Earth. The replica was re-assembled by the program coordinator, Space Technology Laboratories Inc., from original parts that failed to meet flight specifications and donated by them in 1964 to the Smithsonian Institution. It was displayed at the Palais de la Decouverte in Paris from October 1970 until October 1975.
- Alternate Name
- Pioneer V Satellite
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- See more items in
- National Air and Space Museum Collection
- Location
- Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
- Exhibit Station
- Space Science
- Credit Line
- Gift of TRW Space Technology Laboratories
- Data Source
- National Air and Space Museum
- Inventory Number
- A19640666000
- Type
- SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Materials
- Aluminum alloy
- Dimensions
- Overall: 1 ft. 8 in. wide, 40 lb. (50.8cm, 18.1kg)
- Other (Sphere): 2 ft. 2 in. diameter (66cm)
- Other (sphere with extended solar panels): 8 ft. diameter (243.8cm)
- Other (Solar panels): 1 ft. long x 1 ft. 8 in. wide (30.5 x 50.8cm)
- Record ID
- nasm_A19640666000
Full scale model of external shell of Pioneer V satellite built from spare parts. The aluminum alloy sphere with a slightly flattened bottom is painted in a black and white pattern intended to help control internal temperature. Four non-functional plastic solar cell paddles extend on stubby arms from the equatorial plane.
