BP-1101 “Boilerplate” Capsule | Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Many of us remember the excitement of the Apollo missions that landed a dozen Americans on the Moon more than 50 years ago. The Apollo Command Module was the only part of the massive, skyscraper-sized Saturn V rocket that returned to Earth at the end of each flight. You can recognize an enlarged version of the Command Module’s cone shape in today’s Lockheed Martin Orion spacecraft and the Boeing Starliner.

This artifact looks very much like an actual Apollo Command Module, but it never carried astronauts into space. It is a boilerplate—a simplified metal model created to test specific aspects of the real spacecraft, such as water landings, launch abort escape rockets, or recovery systems. It duplicates the size, weight, shape, and center of gravity of the actual vehicle.

This particular boilerplate is BP-1101A. NASA used it for flotation tests in the Gulf of Mexico in July, 1965. After some modifications, NASA used it again for additional ocean testing in 1966 and 1967. In most photos of Apollo spacecraft floating in the ocean you can see large round balloons near the top. They pull the spacecraft right-side-up if it capsizes, and they were tested on this very boilerplate.

On loan from the National Air and Space Museum.

Capsule specifications:
Diameter: 12 ft 10 in (3.9 m)
Height: 8 ft 10 in (2.7 m)
Weight: Varied, approximately 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg)

Lowry - Denver

Air & Space Museum

Monday	10am-5pm
Tuesday	10am-5pm
Wednesday	10am-5pm
Thursday	10am-5pm
Friday	10am-5pm
Saturday	10am-5pm
Sunday	12pm-5pm

Address:
7711 East Academy Blvd Denver, CO 80230

E: info@wingsmuseum.org

P: 303-360-5360

Get Directions

Discover Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Learn more about our exhibits, programs, and simulators at our world-class museum. Read more

Upcoming Events

See All

Sunday May 12

12:00PM TO 5:00PM

Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Mom’s Free Day at Exploration of Flight

Sunday, May 12, 2024 | 12:00PM to 5:00PM

This Mother’s Day, celebrate with Mom at Wings Over the Rockies! Mom gets in FREE at both Wings locations on Mother’s Day.

Bring the whole family and explore awe-inspiring exhibits, immersive and interactive displays and more. It’s the perfect way to honor Mom and create lasting moments together. Family members are welcome to pre-purchase their tickets online. Mom’s free admission ticket will be available at check in.

Click here to learn about visiting the Air & Space Museum on Mom’s Free Day.

Learn More

Sunday May 12

12:00PM TO 5:00PM

Air & Space Museum

Mom’s Free Day at the Museum

Sunday, May 12, 2024 | 12:00PM to 5:00PM

This Mother’s Day, celebrate with Mom at Wings Over the Rockies! Mom gets in FREE at both Wings locations on Mother’s Day.

Bring the whole family and explore awe-inspiring exhibits, immersive and interactive displays and more. It’s the perfect way to honor Mom and create lasting moments together. Family members are welcome to pre-purchase their tickets online. Mom’s free admission ticket will be available at check in.

Click here to learn about visiting our second location, Exploration of Flight, on Mom’s Free Day.

Learn More

Thursday May 23

10:00AM TO 8:00PM

Air & Space Museum

Air & Space Museum Open Late

Thursday, May 23, 2024 | 10:00AM to 8:00PM

Can’t make it to the museum during the day, or looking for a fun evening out? Experience Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in a whole new light! Our hours for ‘Open Late’ nights are from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Standard admission pricing applies. As always, admission is free for our members. Don’t miss this special opportunity to explore captivating aviation and space exhibits after hours. We look forward to seeing you!

Purchase your tickets now for a memorable night at the museum!

Pre-Purchase Tickets

Learn More