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

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Saturday Mar 28

10:00AM TO 5:00PM

Air & Space Museum

Free Day for Lowry Residents

Saturday, Mar 28, 2026 | 10:00AM to 5:00PM

Calling all Lowry neighborhood residents! Embark on an awe-inspiring journey through aviation and space history, right in your own backyard. Enjoy FREE admission to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum as our way of saying thank you to our vibrant community.

Redeem your free ticket* at check-in, and enjoy a day of exploring with us.

*Proof of residency in the Lowry neighborhood (zip code 80230) is required.

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Saturday Mar 28

11:00AM TO 2:00PM

Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Plane Talk: Racing the Legendary P-51

Saturday, Mar 28, 2026 | 11:00AM to 2:00PM

What does it take to race in a WWII-era P-51? Find out from Colorado Aviation Hall of Famer Joe Thibodeau and his son, J.P. Thibodeau, and hear about their journey with this iconic aircraft.

Joe is a distinguished Colorado-based attorney, aviator and speedster. After beginning his legal practice in 1971 and soloing as a pilot in 1974, he became a prominent figure in the vintage warbird community, competing in the National Championship Air Races with first-place finishes in the Silver and Bronze classes. Beyond his competitive success, Thibodeau holds a “Level 3” FAA Statement of Aerobatic Competency and has frequently performed at airshows to inspire and educate others about aviation. Don’t miss out on this fascinating topic and life story!

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Friday Apr 3

1:00PM TO 3:30PM

Air & Space Museum

100 Rockets for 100 Years

Friday, Apr 3, 2026 | 1:00PM to 3:30PM

Celebrate a hundred years of rocketry! In 1926, Dr. Robert H. Goddard sent the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket into the air, traveling 41 feet in 2.5 seconds. In honor of this anniversary, we invite you and your family to help us send 100 more skyward.

At this event, you’ll participate in fun and fascinating experiences:

Build and launch your own rocket*
Explore the science behind flight propulsion and the many ways these vehicles take to the skies
Enjoy STEAM activities
Attend live demonstrations of water and Estes Rockets** at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 pm

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*Please bring an empty 2-liter bottle for the rocket build. A limited supply will be available for those unable to provide their own.

**Weather permitting

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