Resources

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

Get Directions

Upcoming Events

See All
Saturday Feb 14
9:30AM TO 12:30PM
Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Breakfast Fly-In
Breakfast Fly-In
Saturday, Feb 14, 2026 | 9:30AM to 12:30PM

Love is in the air! Start your Saturday with tasty food, aircraft, and a little romance at our monthly Breakfast Fly-In!*

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re featuring a special pop-up exhibit from Wings Museum’s archives celebrating aviators in love. Step back in time and discover the personal side of aviation history through heartfelt stories and rare artifacts, including:

  • WWII letters from the newly acquired Earle Parker collection
  • 1940s Victory mail (V-mail) photographs and correspondence
  • Additional archival pieces that reveal how relationships have endured globally throughout the decades

Plus, you’ll also have the opportunity to chat with our Curator, Stewart Bailey, who will share behind-the-scenes insights into our archive, answer questions, and highlight the remarkable stories housed within our collections. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!

Pre-Purchase Tickets

Pilots – Fly in for free breakfast! For tie-down space, contact Flight@WingsMuseum.org or 303.360.5360 ext. 160.

Food Truck: Cruz In & Eat

*Weather permitting. Aircraft on display are subject to change. Food is not included with admission.

Learn More
Monday Feb 16
10:00AM TO 2:30PM
Air & Space Museum

Artemis II Family Day
Artemis II Family Day
Monday, Feb 16, 2026 | 10:00AM to 2:30PM

We are going back to the moon and beyond! All are invited to explore human space flight during our Artemis II Family Day at Wings Over the Rockies® Air & Space Museum. At this event, discover NASA’s plan to send astronauts beyond the Moon and how Colorado’s aerospace community is helping make it happen.

You’ll also get the opportunity to connect with local companies and professionals working on the Artemis program, hear from astronauts and even ask your own questions about deep space discovery!

Activities*:

  • Enjoy hands-on science experiments, expert perspectives, and activities for all ages throughout the day
  • Learn from engaging talks
    • How the ISS has Prepared Astronauts for Longer Missions (10:30 – 11:00 am)
    • To the Moon, Mars, and Beyond (1:00 – 1:30 pm)
    • What We’ll Face in Space (2:00 – 2:30 pm)
  • Q&A on Hangar Floor (11:30 am – 12:30 pm)
    • The Rockets Behind Artemis
    • Space Jobs
    • The Engineering of Artemis

Get Tickets

*Event schedule subject to change depending on Artemis II splashdown

Learn More
Saturday Feb 21
9:00AM TO 10:00AM
Air & Space Museum

Veterans Coffee Hour
Veterans Coffee Hour
Saturday, Feb 21, 2026 | 9:00AM to 10:00AM

Calling all veterans and their support networks – you’re invited to a special morning at the Air & Space Museum on Saturday, February 21, at 9:00 a.m.

Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee, early access to the museum 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.

Register Here

 

Learn More

Get updates and special offers

Sign up for our newsletter, and stay up to date with all of the latest exhibits and events at Wings Over the Rockies.

F-22 on the Tarmac at Exploration of Flight

We can’t wait to see you at both of our locations

Air & Space Museum

Lowry - Denver

Air & Space Museum
Exploration of Flight

Centennial Airport

Exploration of Flight