Russian Photon Space Capsule

Launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome north of Moscow, Russia on April 11, 1990, and propelled by a Soyuz rocket this Photon space capsule served the French “Operation Crocodile.” Functioning from the central portion of the seven-ton spaceship, the Photon launched over 1,500 pounds of scientific devices into space to conduct experiments. The sixth in the Photon series, this design is the first module in which the recovery of onboard objects as part of a wide research spectrum occurred. Donated by Museum Chairman Mr. Delford M. Smith, the Photon Capsule has on it the signature of Soviet Cosmonaut Marshal Gherman Titov.