Celestial Sphere Assembly, Landing Window, Apollo Command Module Simulator
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The star fields displayed in the Apollo Command Module Simulator windows were produced by specially mounted celestial spheres. This sphere is one of the larger, 13.58 inch radius spheres, with its positioning drives, from one of two the two Command Module Simulators operated at the Kennedy Space Center during the Apollo program. Situated on the sphere are 998 stars up to and including stars of the fifth magnitude. The simulated stars are reflective ball bearings tinted to present the correct spectral characteristics and mounted on a black surface. When illuminated, the balls produce a star-like spot of light, which is projected as background into the Command Module simulator’s crew compartment windows by an array of windows and mirrors.
Ownership of major components of the Command Module Simulator was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1975.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Training Devices
Manufacturer
Link Group of General Precision, Inc. Dimensions
3-D (Sphere with Housing): 5 ft. × 3 ft. 5 3/4 in. × 4 ft. 3 in., 502lb. (152.4 × 106 × 129.5cm, 227.7kg)
3-D (Sphere): 2 ft. 4 in. (71.2cm)
3-D (Width of Sphere and two support brackets): 3 ft. 3 1/2 in. (100.3cm)
Other (Width of Bracket): 7 in. (17.8cm) Materials
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Ferrous Alloy
Paint
Electrical Wiring
Plastic
Copper Alloy
Adhesive Tape
Ink Inventory Number
A19751445016
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.