NASA stationed this countdown clock at the VIP viewing area for launches near the Saturn V building at the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex. The clock was an iconic symbol for counting down from 10 to 1 and building up suspense for Space Shuttle launches. The clock was maintained by the IMCS Timing and Imaging Technical Support Group with QinetiQ.
Launch countdowns starts for NASA 73 hours beforehand and up to the time the orbiter was safely in orbit, staff remained near the clock. This clock used a so-called "seven-segment display" to form the numbers, which was a standard method used in the 1970s and 1980s before digital displays became available.
NASA transferred this clock to the Smithsonian in 2012 after the Space Shuttle program ended.
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-Ground Control Apparatus
Manufacturer
NASA - Kennedy Space Center
Dimensions
3-D (Clock): 284.5 × 55.9 × 68.6cm, 103.4kg (9 ft. 4 in. × 1 ft. 10 in. × 2 ft. 3 in., 228lb.)
Storage (Aluminum Pallet Storage with Tyvek Cover): 301.3 × 121.6 × 101.6cm, 180.1kg (9 ft. 10 5/8 in. × 3 ft. 11 7/8 in. × 3 ft. 4 in., 397lb.)
Materials
Aluminum Alloy, Plastic, Iron Alloy, Rubber, Paint, Copper Alloy, Electronic Components
Inventory Number
A20181680000
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.