The United States became a full-fledged participant in the space age with the Army's successful launching of Jupiter C with Explorer I at 10:49pm on January 31, 1958. Seven minutes later, the Explorer I satellite was orbiting the earth.

Explorer I, a detailed model of which is included in this kit, was the first successfully launched U.S. satellite. The information it gathered helped lay the groundwork for future space flights. The Jupiter C gantry and four working platforms are fully operational in this model.

FEATURES:

• Detailed explorer satellite rotates and can be removed from the rocket
• Giant gantry tower actually works
• Four work platforms and elevator move realistically
• Entire tower folds back, moves on railroad base
• Seven crew figures included
• Army decals (waterslide) included
• Plastic model kit, assembly required
• Glue and paint are required for assembly and are sold separately
• Ages 12+
• Completed kit measures 14.5" long
• Parts count: 174