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Air & Space Museum

Apollo Command Module Boilerplate

Apollo Command Module Boilerplate

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)

Air & Space Museum Air & Space Museum

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

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Upcoming Events

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Saturday May 16
9:00AM TO 10:00AM
Air & Space Museum

Veterans Coffee Hour
Veterans Coffee Hour
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 9:00AM to 10:00AM

Calling all veterans and their support networks – you’re invited to a FREE special morning at the Air & Space Museum!

Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee, early access before public hours and great conversations. Explore our aircraft collection with the help of knowledgeable volunteers, and take time to connect and share stories in a welcoming space.

We’d love to have you join us! Please register at the link below.

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Saturday May 16
10:00AM TO 2:00PM
Air & Space Museum

Cockpit Demo Day
Cockpit Demo Day
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 10:00AM to 2:00PM

Get an up-close look inside select aircraft at the museum and learn about its history, instruments, controls and more!

Featured Aircraft in May*:

Pre-Purchase Tickets

*Featured aircraft are subject to change. 

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Saturday May 16
10:15AM TO 12:30PM
Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Little Wings: Plane Spotting
Little Wings: Plane Spotting
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 10:15AM to 12:30PM

Watch your child’s curiosity soar at Exploration of Flight and explore the amazing world of aviation! Participants will learn about the different parts of an airplane, how airports work and tarmac safety. Then it’s off to spot real planes in action! Watch them take off, land and fly through the skies at Centennial Airport.

Buy Tickets*

Wings’ Members, remember to sign in to receive 50% off tickets!

Doors open at 10:00 a.m. and the program begins promptly at 10:15 a.m.

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*This program is designed for children aged 3-6 years old and their guardians. Siblings are welcome to participate. Adults must accompany children at all times. All attendees must purchase a program ticket; general admission to Exploration of Flight is included with program ticket. A significant portion of this activity takes place outdoors on the tarmac. Weather-appropriate clothing, water, sunscreen and hats are recommended. Some binoculars will be available for use, and feel welcome to bring your own binoculars. 

Photo Credit: Cliff Lawson

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F-22 on the Tarmac at Exploration of Flight

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Air & Space Museum

Lowry - Denver

Air & Space Museum
Exploration of Flight

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Exploration of Flight