This stand holds a 1/32 scale model of an Orbiting Astronomical Observatory. Together, they are memorabilia of that project, which launched four separate astronomical instruments into Earth orbit between 1966 and 1972. Two of the spacecraft succeeded in achieving stable orbits and taking observations. Grumman manufactured the spacecraft.
This model was owned by F. Peter Simmons, an aerospace engineer who studied at the George Washington University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Simmons worked as Director of Space Astronomy at Grumman Aerospace Corporation.
Simmons gave the model to the Museum when he donated his papers to the Museum's Archives in 2005.
