Summary

Model of a Vanguard II satellite, made in a 1:1 scale.

This earth satellite model was purchased by the museum in 1957 for a display promoting the International Geophysical Year which began 1 July 1957. It was on display close to the entrance of the Museum of Applied Science in Melbourne.

The model was made by local Melbourne model maker Mr R.D. Ramsay in 1957, from the limited information that was available at this time. He may have used references from Popular Science magazines, which provided information, albeit incomplete, on Project Vanguard, the U.S. Navy program for launching a satellite into Earth orbit. The model may therefore not represent the final design of the satellite that was actually launched in 1959.

The United States Naval Research Laboratory Vanguard program aimed to place a satellite in orbit during International Geophysical Year 1957 - 1958. Vanguard II was launched on 17 February 1959, from Cape Canaveral, Florida in the United States of America. It orbited earth, and its mission was to measure cloud-cover distribution during daylight. The Vanguard 2 satellite is now considered derelict and is expected to continue orbiting for around 200 to 300 years.

Original satellite - Country: U.S.A. Description: spherical body, main shell of magnesium alloy, 4 antennae, 4 photocells. Dimensions: diameter 20 inches. Weight: 10.75 kilograms.

Physical Description

Silver and clear plastic sphere with gold coloured plastic drum and "arms" inside with short, silver antennae on sides. The model is displayed on white painted wooden conical stand.

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