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 Jul 11
9:30AM TO 12:30PM
Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Breakfast Fly-In
Breakfast Fly-In
Saturday, Jul 11, 2026 | 9:30AM to 12:30PM

Get an inside look at warbirds and start your Saturday with tasty food, aircraft, and classic cars at our monthly Breakfast Fly-In!*

There is no better place to learn about unique vehicles, where we are featuring special activities on top of our usual events, including:

  • Learn about airplanes and their combat missions
  • Explore a variety of rare cars
  • Participate in STEAM activities
  • Meet-and-greets with pilots
  • Watch aircraft fly in and out on our tarmac

Don’t miss out on this fun, family-friendly opportunity!

Buy 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 and activities are subject to change. Food is not included with admission.

Learn More
Tuesday Jul 14
6:00PM TO 7:30PM
Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Wings Aerospace Exploration Parent / Family Info Night
Wings Aerospace Exploration Parent / Family Info Night
Tuesday, Jul 14, 2026 | 6:00PM to 7:30PM

Full STEAM Ahead – Launch Your Students’ Aerospace Journey!

Join us to learn about both Wings Aerospace Exploration (WAE) and Wings Aerospace Exploration Enrichment (WAEE) opportunities for students in grades 6–12 from the team at Wings Over the Rockies®. During this session, you’ll hear a program overview, meet our educators and instructors, learn from current and former student experiences, and get your questions answered.

This meeting will take place at Exploration of Flight (13005 Wings Way, Englewood, CO 80112). 

Register Here

Discover how WAE students have the opportunity to explore the wonders of flight, engage with industry professionals, and gain valuable skills for future careers in aerospace. The program includes building and operating RC airplanes, drones, and robotics, as well as coding, rocketry, and LOTS of other aviation and space-related subjects. WAE / WAEE programs complement but do not take the place of an accredited educational institution.

Questions? Please contact:
Nedra Hall – Education Programs Coordinator, 303.360.5360 ext. 125.
WingsEducation@WingsMuseum.org

Learn More
Wednesday Jul 15
6:00PM TO 7:30PM
Air & Space Museum

Wings Aerospace Exploration Parent / Family Info Night
Wings Aerospace Exploration Parent / Family Info Night
Wednesday, Jul 15, 2026 | 6:00PM to 7:30PM

Full STEAM Ahead – Launch Your Students’ Aerospace Journey!

Join us to learn about both Wings Aerospace Exploration (WAE) opportunities for students in grades 6–12 from the team at Wings Over the Rockies®. During this session, you’ll hear a program overview, meet our educators and instructors, learn from current and former student experiences, and get your questions answered.

This meeting will take place at the Air & Space Museum (7711 East Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230)

Register Here

Discover how WAE students have the opportunity to explore the wonders of flight, engage with industry professionals, and gain valuable skills for future careers in aerospace. The program includes building and operating RC airplanes, drones, and robotics, as well as coding, rocketry, and lots of other aviation and space-related subjects.

WAE programs complement but do not take the place of an accredited educational institution.

Questions? Please contact Nedra Hall – Education Programs Coordinator, 303.360.5360 ext. 125.

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