Rocketry Planet

This premiere review is on the National Atomic Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The museum, whose front door is framed by a pair of Terrier missiles on a rail launcher, features a huge display of history-changing events surrounding the work performed in the New Mexico area by the various government agencies in regard to atomic research and development.

The site includes restored military weapons of war, including historical data and lifesize displays of the equipment used during World War II.

You will find various rockets and missiles on your visit there, including this M-50 Honest John on its launcher.

Large defense missiles and rockets include familiar names such as: MGM Lance, Jupiter, Thor, Redstone and Polaris varieties.

The museum also has many winged missiles including a Bomarc on display.

The museum preserves and presents to the visitor, artifacts and audio-visual presentations that tell the story of the Atomic Age.

While emphasis is placed on America's nuclear arsenal, the visitor also is offered other aspects of atomic energy. The constantly changing special exhibits and displays will help expand the visitor's knowledge of the diverse applications of nuclear energy.

Looking at the museum's historical documentation, you will find that on July 16, 1945, the world literally shook. With the culmination of the Manhattan Project in the first atomic test, called Trinity, a new age was born.

The extension of this test was the creation of the world's first two atomic weapons. Visitors to the museum may view examples of the first two bombs, Little Boy and Fat Man, as well as an actual B-29 similar to the two bombers, Enola Gay and Bockscar, which dropped them.

To increase this watershed period in American history, the museum offers free viewing of films. "Ten Seconds That Shook The World" chronicles the Manhattan Project, describing the events surrounding the first two weapons, their use, and Japan's surrender. "Superfortress: B-29", which gives a more intimate look at the bomber that delivered the weapons, is also shown on a regular basis.

After World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union found themselves in an arms race called the Cold War. America's monopoly on nuclear weapons ended in late 1949 when the Soviets exploded their first nuclear device. The United States then became involved in an ongoing evolution of weaponry to counter that of the Soviet Union and its allies.

Museum visitors may follow the progression of this nuclear evolution from its primitive beginnings and city-busting concepts to the precise, sophisticated weapons that were developed over time.

Available for viewing and photographing is an impressive array of American fission weapons, tactical and strategic thermonuclear bombs, fleet ballistic missiles, anti-submarine weapons, warheads and artillery rounds.

Outside displays include delivery systems such as the B-52 and F-105 aircraft, Polaris and Minuteman missiles and the 280-mm atomic cannon.

Of special interest are the actual remnants of the weapons involved in the mid-air collision of a B-52 and KC-135 tanker over Palomares, Spain, in 1966.

Now that the decades-long Cold War has ended, America's nuclear weapons are being reduced in both numbers and types while ongoing research continues to insure a more safe, secure and reliable stockpile.

In keeping pace with events, the museum's ongoing acquisition program works to provide examples of today's weaponry to its guest.

While the military stockpile has been atomic energy's most visible application, other peaceful roles in the use of the atom, such as nuclear medicine, have been developing in parallel.

These efforts are equally important in the story of nuclear energy. To keep the scales in balance, the museum has an ongoing program to share this research and its varied application with the public through continually changing special displays and exhibits.

By maintaing its current collection while keeping an eye on tomorrow, the museum offers visitors a unique educational resource concerning the many facets of the nuclear age.

The museum is supported by the National Atomic Museum Foundation, a Non-Profit New Mexico Organization dedicated exclusively to further the cultural, educational, and scientific programs of the museum.

The museum is located on Kirtland Air Force Base, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Visiting hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Sunday and can be reached at (505) 284-3243.

You can also point your web browser to the museum's website located on the Sandia webserver at http://www.sandia.gov/AtomMus/AtomMus.htm.