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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 Apr 18
10:00AM TO 2:00PM
Air & Space Museum

Cockpit Demo Day
Cockpit Demo Day
Saturday, Apr 18, 2026 | 10:00AM to 2:00PM

Get an up-close look inside select aircraft at the museum and learn about its history, instruments, controls and more!

Featured Aircraft in April*:

Pre-Purchase Tickets

*Featured aircraft are subject to change. 

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Saturday Apr 18
10:00AM TO 2:00PM
Air & Space Museum

U.S. Drone Soccer District 9 Division Championships
U.S. Drone Soccer District 9 Division Championships
Saturday, Apr 18, 2026 | 10:00AM to 2:00PM

Join us as we host the U.S. Drone Soccer District 9 Division Championships! Winners from the event gain divisional points, which are used to determine who will be invited to the U.S. Drone National Finals on May 18-19 in Daytona Beach, FL. Don’t miss out on this fun, family-friendly activity!

Pre-Purchase Tickets*

*Admission for this event is regular museum entrance pricing. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event.

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Saturday Apr 18
10:15AM TO 12:30PM
Exploration of Flight (Centennial Airport)

Little Wings: Plane Spotting
Little Wings: Plane Spotting
Saturday, Apr 18, 2026 | 10:15AM to 12:30PM

Let your child’s curiosity soar at Exploration of Flight and explore the amazing world of aviation! Participants will learn about the different parts of an airplane, how airports work and the safety behind the tarmac. Then it’s off to spot real planes in action! Watch them take off, land and soar through the skies at Centennial Airport.

Buy Tickets*

Wings’ Members, remember to sign in to receive 50% off tickets!

Doors open at 10:00 a.m. The program begins promptly at 10:15 a.m and repeats at 11:30 a.m. Please select other times on our ticket page to choose your desired attendance hour.

Supported by:

*This program is designed for children aged 3-6 years old and their guardians. Siblings are welcome to participate. Adults must accompany children at all times. All attendees must purchase a program ticket; general admission to Exploration of Flight is included with program ticket. A significant portion of this activity takes place outdoors on the tarmac. Weather appropriate clothing, water, sunscreen and hats are recommended. Some binoculars will be available for use, and feel welcome to bring your own binoculars. 

Photo Credit: Cliff Lawson

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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