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dsc18272.jpg

The air compressor hooked up to the Atlas.

The Atlas is a very thin-skinned missile (typically described as "the thickness of a dime") which cannot support its own weight unless pressurized. Other Atlases I've seen on display were presumably modified for display with some sort of internal support, but the USSRC Atlas has an air compressor to supply its pressurization.

I've been alone in the Rocket Park and when it's quiet, the air compressor kicking in can cause quite a start!

 
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Time picture taken Sat Jul 15 11:25:25 2006
Location picture taken Rocket Park
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Huntsville, AL
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