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

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7711 East Academy Blvd Denver, CO 80230

E: info@wingsmuseum.org

P: 303-360-5360

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Saturday May 9

9:30AM TO 12:30PM

Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Breakfast Fly-In

Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 9:30AM to 12:30PM

Celebrate National Paper Airplane Day early and start your Saturday with tasty food, aircraft, and aerodynamic creativity at our monthly Breakfast Fly-In!*

In honor of this timeless aviation craft, we’re featuring special activities on top of our usual events, including:

Create a paper airplane at our craft table (9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)
Fly your creation in our competition, where the winner gets a fun prize! (11:00 a.m.)
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 fun 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 and activities are subject to change. Food is not included with admission.

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Sunday May 10

7:00AM TO 11:00AM

Air & Space Museum

Wings’ Space Race 5K

Sunday, May 10, 2026 | 7:00AM to 11:00AM

Get ready for an out-of-this-world adventure at Wings’ Space Race 5K! This fun, family-friendly event invites runners, walkers, kids and space fans of all ages to take off together.

The Space Race begins with a “launch-pad” start and rocket-style countdown, celebrating innovation and the spirit of flight. The accessible course is perfect for all participation levels. Costumes are encouraged, and no previous race experience is required. After crossing the finish line, touch down at our “moon base”, a space-themed post-race celebration featuring activities, photo ops and a vendor village. Best of all, your participation supports Wings’ mission to educate, inspire and excite the next generation of aerospace leaders.

After the Space Race, continue your journey at the Air & Space Museum for a full day of aviation and space exploration. Show your race bib and receive 25% off admission*.

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*Only redeemable with bib tear-off

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Saturday May 16

9:00AM TO 10:00AM

Air & Space Museum

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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