If you're not familiar with the Ottawa area, and find yourself driving down St. Laurent Boulevard, you might be surprised when you pass an open park-like area and see what looks like a large missile on display. What gives? Is it some sort of cold war deterrent against the Russians? A warning to the Americans or to the French people of Quebec? Not to worry, war is not imminent; you're just passing the Canada Science and Technology Museum.

The SM-65 Atlas, now discontinued from use, was first built in the late 1950s as an ICBM. It was also used to transport both people and various other payloads during the space race of the 60s. The one above (model 5A) is not a replica, but the oldest surviving Atlas rocket in the world. There are 4 others on display in various museums in the US.

Atlas Rocket
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