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The sign by the Ranger replica. It reads


RANGER
(replica)

The Ranger spacecraft gave scientists their first close look at the lunar surface. Nine Rangers were launched from 1961 through 1965. The first six attempts failed, but beginning in July 1964, Rangers 7, 8, and 9 successfully completed their 65-hour journeys to the Moon by transmitting television pictures of the lunar surface during the final minutes until their impact there. These pictures revealed details that could not be seen through telescopes on Earth.

The spacecraft on exhibit is a replica of the final three Ranger spacecraft. It is made of parts of Ranger test vehicles.

Height: 3.1 m (10 ft 3 in)
Width: 4.6 m (15 ft)
Weight: 366 kg (809 lb)
Manufacturer: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Launch vehicle: Atlas-Agena B

Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration


The Ranger replica is NASM catalog #A19770993000.

 
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Time picture taken Tue Jun 19 11:19:40 2007
Location picture taken Second Floor Balcony
Overlooking Space Race Gallery
National Air & Space Museum
Washington, DC
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