Description

This is a spacecraft model.

Adapted from the manufacturer: 

This is the first ever reissue of this Adams kit from 1958! Besides the rocket itself, the kit features the whole launch pad and gantry, four figures, and a decal sheet to recreate most of the launches. 

The Vanguard Rocket was intended as the first launch vehicle the United States would use to place a satellite into orbit. In 1955, the USA announced plans to put a scientific satellite into orbit for the International Geophysical Year (IGY) in 1957 - 1958. 

After several failed attempts, on March 17, 1958, TV-4 finally and successfully launched a satellite into orbit. By this time, Sputnik was orbiting the planet and the U.S Army had successfully launched the Explorer I satellite into orbit on a Jupiter C rocket. 

A total of 11 Vanguards were produced. Only three would successfully launch satellites into orbit.