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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 Mar 7
10:00AM TO 2:00PM
Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Soaring With the Ninety-Nines
Soaring With the Ninety-Nines
Saturday, Mar 7, 2026 | 10:00AM to 2:00PM

In celebration of Women in Aviation Week, Wings Over the Rockies is partnering with the Ninety-Nines to discuss the past, present, and future of women in aviation. Check out aircraft, look through archives of the Ninety-Nine’s history, participate in fun activities, and chat with pioneers in aviation!

Activities:

  • Explore the 99’s archived materials
  • Create a vision board
  • Participate in carnival games, spin the prize wheel, and embark on a scavenger hunt
  • Learn more about aviation careers and scholarship opportunities
  • Hear talks from aviation professionals
    • Speaker Introduction Panel (12:00 pm to 1:00 pm)
    • Meet & Greet (1:00 pm to 2:00 pm)

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Food Truck*: Uptown and Humboldt

*Food and drink not included with admission

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Thursday Mar 12
1:00PM TO 3:30PM
Air & Space Museum

100 Rockets for 100 Years
100 Rockets for 100 Years
Thursday, Mar 12, 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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Saturday Mar 14
9:30AM TO 12:30PM
Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

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

Celebrate Pi Day and start your Saturday with tasty food, aircraft, and infinite knowledge at our monthly Breakfast Fly-In!*

In honor of the famous 3.14 number, we’re featuring special activities on top of our usual events, including:

  • A Pi Day scavenger hunt
  • Meet-and-greets with pilots
  • Watch aircraft fly in and out on our tarmac
  • Enjoy delicious food
  • And more!

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.

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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