Object Details
- Model Maker
- Institute of Space and Astronautical Science
- Summary
- This is a full-scale replica of the Pencil test rocket developed in Japan by the University of Tokyo in 1955 and was the smallest vehicle of its type. The rocket was so-called because of its size. The weight of a fully loaded average Pencil was less than half a pound. Yet, these rockets were precision scientific tools fired on a horizontal firing range to test several important aerodynamic factors.
- After the Pencil series, the Japanese built and flew the slightly larger Baby-T rockets, then larger Kappa followed by Lambda rockets. From there on, the Japanese progressed rapidly and in 1970, launched their first satellite, the Ohsumi, using a four-stage Lambda 4S solid fuel rocket. The Pencil rocket was donated in 1994 to the Smithsonian by the Institute of Space and Astronautics of Japan.
- Credit Line
- Gift of the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan.
- Inventory Number
- A19940219000
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- MODELS-Missiles & Rockets
- Materials
- Aluminum
- Stainless Steel
- Copper Alloy
- Wood
- Adhesive
- Dimensions
- Model: 25.2 x 6 x 6cm (9 15/16 x 2 3/8 x 2 3/8 in.)
- Storage: 26.7 x 8.9 x 8.9cm (10 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.)
- Country of Origin
- Japan
- See more items in
- National Air and Space Museum Collection
- National Air and Space Museum
- Record ID
- nasm_A19940219000
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv97dbb55b7-11e5-4498-8ec2-53dd1b3a56b9
