Incredible 1:25 scale ‘full stack’ model of the Space Shuttle Challenger made by master craftsman and model maker Isao Hirai of Hawthorne’s Scale Model Company, which realistically depicts the orbiter spacecraft and its coupled launch vehicle: a pair of recoverable Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) and the expendable External Tank. Constructed of metal and composite materials, the orbiter and launch vehicle approximately measure 40˝ x 55˝ x 24˝ and 26˝ x 88˝ x 14˝, respectively, and are set atop a large rolling presentation base, 47˝ x 31˝ x 47.25˝, with a front descriptive plaque and an upper crew portrait honoring the tragic STS-51-L mission. When fully assembled, this Space Shuttle display stands roughly 11 feet in height. In fine condition, with trivial scuffs and cracks to model, and the base’s plaque bearing a lengthy scratch to the right side, none of which affect the overall magnificent presentation.
The plaque reads: “After twenty four successful Space Shuttle missions in slightly less than five years, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded into a gigantic fireball moments after liftoff on January 28, 1986, killing all seven crew members. The tragic accident came one day after the 19th anniversary of the only other Space Program accident to cause astronaut fatalities, and it was the first in-the-air disaster in fifty-six U.S. manned space missions. While recognizing these tragic losses, we also hail the positive achievements of the Space Program — achievements that benefit all of mankind. Satellite communications and weather forecasting, advanced computer utilization, aerospace medicine, laser technology, state of the art instrumentation, new space age materials, as well as ecological mapping are but a few of the remarkable achievements that have become part of our daily lives as a result of the U.S. Space Program. This 1/25th Scale Model of the CHALLENGER was created by SCALE MODEL COMPANY, Hawthorne, California. The exhibit is dedicated to the memory of those brave men and women who were lost while daring to live the dream of man in space.”
After the tragedy of the STS-51-L mission, Isao Hirai was inspired to build his own 1/25th Space Shuttle Challenger based on drawings by Rockwell International. The glorious result offered here was loaned for display to anyone who wished to honor the fallen astronauts.
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Originates from the collection of craftsman and model maker Isao Hirai.
