Sands Space History Center

Learn about the development of U.S. missile technology and space exploration

By Explore Historic Titusville FL

Atlas booster engine, XLR-89-NA-3, installed as one of two outboard booster engines to propel the Atlas missile at launch, had a thrust of 165,000 pounds with a burn time of 270 seconds. Source: Sands Space History Center

Located just outside the south gate of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, immediately behind the SpaceX launch and control center building, this museum offers visitors an overview of the history of the U.S. Space Program presented through artifacts, models, and contemporary video coverage of historic space flights. Named after Major General Harry J. ‘Bud’ Sands, Jr. who originally proposed the creation of a museum at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, it is accessible to visitors without prior reservation. Tours of the associated Air Force Space and Missile Museum at Launch Complex 26, within the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which displays launch structures, missiles, and other space equipment, must be arranged in advance.

Audio

Sam Beddingfield on his early career and the beginning of NASA activity on the Cape Excerpts from an oral history interview conducted by Nancy Yasecko for the Brevard County Historical Commission on January 15, 1994 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-IHqqZknEA

Images

Atlas booster engine, XLR-89-NA-3, installed as one of two outboard booster engines to propel the Atlas missile at launch, had a thrust of 165,000 pounds with a burn time of 270 seconds. Source: Sands Space History Center

This Mercury Boilerplate Capsule was originally used as a rescue trainer for recovery forces during the Mercury manned space flight program. Source: Sands Space History Center

Photo of Bumper 8,the first launch from Cape Canaveral, July 24, 1950 Source: The Air Force Space & Missile Museum at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Main exhibits and educational area Source: Photo: NASA/Frankie Martin

Location

100 Spaceport Way, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 | Hours: Tuesday through Friday 9:00am – 2:00pm; Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm; Sunday 12:00pm – 4:00pm; Closed on Monday. (Tours at the Launch Complex 26 Museum require prior reservations). Admission: Free Amenities: Parking, gift shop, restrooms Phone: (321) 853-9171

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Metadata

Official Website

Air Force Space and Missile Museum website

Citation Info

“Sands Space History Center,” Explore Historic Titusville FL, accessed April 19, 2024, https://history.titusville.com/items/show/75.

Filed Under

Aerospace