A special stowable device was provided in the Apollo Command Module that could be connected to the spacecraft caution and warning system and mounted on either side of the spacecraft. Its purpose was to allow all three astronauts to sleep simultaneously with their headsets removed and warn them with a loud acoustic signal if, while asleep, an event occurred that required their attention.

Consisting of a power plug, a tone booster, and a photosensitive device to trigger the tone whenever the spacecraft Master Alarm lamp became illuminated, this unit was flown on the Apollo 11 Command Module during its historic mission. It was transferred to the Smithsonian in 1970.

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

INSTRUMENTS-Miscellaneous

Dimensions

3-D (Cylinder): 12.7 × 6.3 × 6.3cm (5 × 2 1/2 × 2 1/2 in.)
3-D (Cord): 129.5 × 0.6 × 0.6cm (4 ft. 3 in. × 1/4 in. × 1/4 in.)
3-D (Square block): 9.5 × 3.8 × 5.1cm (3 3/4 × 1 1/2 × 2 in.)

Materials

Aluminum
Textile
Plastic
Copper Alloy
Synthetic

Inventory Number

A19791660000

Credit Line

Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.