Spinning in Orbit

Space, famously called the ‘final frontier’ it has also proved rich pickings for toy makers everywhere. This tinplate Orbitoy Space Spinner was designed to work on several fronts. Using gyroscopic motion, the spinner was fitted with a plastic yellow ‘satellite’ which revolved fast around the tinplate planet. Beyond this astrophysical appeal the toy is also printed with informative stats designed to equip budding astronauts. These include the diameter of the moon “2160 miles” and the average distance of the Moon from the Earth “238,856 miles". Despite its astronomical allusions the toy was New Zealand made under license. Sadly the original satellite of this toy is missing, but it looks like it has done plenty of spinning in its time.