Disney Satellite Launcher (1955)

SCALE: 1/256

INITIAL RELEASE: 1956

MEDIUM: Polystyrene

RARITY: (5)

ABOUT THE DESIGN

ABOUT THE KIT

The "Satellite Launcher" was nothing more than the "Man in Space Ship" fitted with a smaller, unmanned final stage.  Its "satellite" payload was a Sputnik-like silver sphere, represented by a simple ball bearing.

Note: Although its appearance in the Disney "Man In Space" TV series should technically classify this as a "Pop Culture" design, that it was based on rigid scientific principals and later appeared throughout the period's speculative literature causes it to be listed in this "Concept Spacecraft" section.

A unique collector's item, the Satellite Launcher was molded in clear plastic that allowed one to see its complex interior.  Sounds cool, except that this "interior" was just a color illustration printed on thin paper that one cut, folded, glued and then slipped into the interior of each stage.   It was an ambitious idea that, while making for an unusual display item, didn't quite live up to expectations.  Released briefly in the late 1950s, this kit was never re-released, nor kitted by Glencoe. 

This is one of the original 1950's-era kits.

Original Box Art