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