This an unflown but complete "Block I" Apollo Guidance Computer. Block I represented the initial design to meet NASA specifications for on-board guidance, navigation, and control needed for a Lunar Mission. It was replaced by a more advanced design, called "Block II," as the Apollo program matured. Block I computers were flown on three unmanned Apollo tests between August 1966 and April 1968.
Apollo Guidance Computers were designed by the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory and built by the Raytheon Corporation. Each used about 4,000 Integrated Circuits, which at that time represented a new and untested technology.
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-Navigational
Manufacturer
Raytheon Corp.
Dimensions
3-D: 62.2 x 39.4 x 14cm (24 1/2 x 15 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.)
Materials
Metal housing, electronic circuits and circuit boards inside.
Inventory Number
A19720340000
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.