Merritt Island in Brevard County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Sun Rides a Workhorse

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, June 24, 2021

1. The Sun Rides a Workhorse Marker

Inscription.
The Delta was the fourth configuration of the Thor-Able launch vehicle. Although not part of the human space program, and never achieving the fame of the Redstone, Atlas or Saturn, the Delta and its 34 variations have been the workhorse of America’s exploration of the universe. Its exceptional reliability made it the launch vehicle of choice for many of the most significant breakthroughs of our time.

When it launched the Deep Space Probe, Pioneer 5, on March 11, 1960, the world’s first solar power cell was on board to make electricity for the long duration mission. The invention of the solar cell was driven by the need for a lightweight, reliable and renewable power source in space. Today, solar cells can power entire cities and never burn a drop of fuel.

Rocket Data: Delta
Height: 89.3 ft (27 m)
Diameter: 88.9 in (2.24 m)
First stage propellants: Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Kerosene
Stage 2 and 3propellants: Solid Fuel
Lift-off thrust: 152,000 lbs

Erected by Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Exploration • War, Cold. A significant historical date for this entry is March 11, 1960.

Location.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

28° 31.408′ N, 80° 40.982′ W. Marker is on Merritt Island, Florida, in Brevard County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Space Commerce Way and NASA Parkway West, on the left when traveling east. The marker is located within the Rocket Garden exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 405 NASA Pkwy W, Merritt Island FL 32953, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Learning to Drive (here, next to this marker); Global Television Arrives (a few steps from this marker); Aiming at the Heavens (a few steps from this marker); Learning to Phone Home (a few steps from this marker); Shooting the Moon, Dreaming of Stars (a few steps from this marker); Chasing the Russian Bear (a few steps from this marker); Swords Into Plowshares (within shouting distance of this marker); 1957: Cold War Cooperation (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Merritt Island.

Also see . . .
1. Delta Rocket Family. Space.com website entry (Submitted on July 6, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

2. Pioneer 5. NASA Solar System Exploration website entry (Submitted on July 6, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

3. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on July 6, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, June 24, 2021

2. The Sun Rides a Workhorse Marker

Delta Rocket Family image. Click for full size.

Photographed By United Launch Alliance

3. Delta Rocket Family

NASA’s Pioneer 5 spacecraft before launch image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Nasa

4. NASA’s Pioneer 5 spacecraft before launch

Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 148 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 6, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.