Seismic Packages, Lunar Probe, Ranger, Block II Payload
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Object Details
- Manufacturer
- NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
- Summary
- The Block II of Ranger’s seismic packages represented scientists’ earliest attempts to measure the seismic properties of the Moon. Rangers 3, 4, and 5 hoisted a seismometer within a balsawood impact-limiter at their apex, a device designed at the California Institute of Technology. During Ranger’s flight, the lunar seismometer was programmed to separate from the main capsule, with the seismometer breaking free from the rocket as it approached close enough to the Moon to be pulled in by gravity. The balsawood case would strike the surface at 150 MPH, at which point the seismometer could begin its measurements. The device floated in an oil film within the balsawood shield and was meant to transmit data for 30 days. Though it was designed to withstand a 200 MPH impact, all three attempts to crash on the Moon with a functioning seismic device failed. Rangers 3 and 5 missed the Moon due a guidance systems and electrical failure, respectively; Ranger 4 successfully hit the Moon but the computer-timer failed, thus preventing any data collection.
- NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center transferred this to the Museum in 1972.
- Credit Line
- Transferred from NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
- Inventory Number
- A19731641000
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Guidance & Control
- Materials
- HAZMAT: Cadmium Plating, Magnesium
- Aluminum, Steel, Stainless Steel, Rubber (silicone), Gold Plating, Plastic, Nylon, Silver, Epoxy
- Dimensions
- Storage: 45.72 x 187.96 x 44.45cm (1ft 6in. x 6ft 2in. x 1ft 5 1/2in.)
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- See more items in
- National Air and Space Museum Collection
- National Air and Space Museum
- Record ID
- nasm_A19731641000
- Metadata Usage (text)
- Not determined
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv92ebd5a31-5f0f-48c0-91c9-34a4ebcf439a
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