This laptop computer was carried aboard at least two early Shuttle flights, STS-35 and STS-36. It was slightly modified from a commercial laptop manufactured by Grid Systems, Inc. Software pre-loaded onto the computer handled basic navigation, time-management, and other tasks for the crew.
The "GRiD" was similar to other commercial laptops, except for its so-called bubble memory instead of a hard disk, and an orange, electro-luminescent display instead of the more common LCDs. NASA felt at the time that both features made it more suitable for a space environment.
Gift of Grid Systems, Inc.
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
Date
c. 1990's
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
INSTRUMENTS-Computers, General Purpose
Manufacturer
Grid Systems, Inc.
Dimensions
3-D (Open): 38.1 × 29.2 × 21cm, 5kg (1 ft. 3 in. × 11 1/2 in. × 8 1/4 in., 11lb.)
3-D (Closed): 38.1 × 29.2 × 6.3cm, 5kg (1 ft. 3 in. × 11 1/2 in. × 2 1/2 in., 11lb.)
Materials
Unknown Metal
Plastic
Glass
Synthetic
Paper
Coating
Inventory Number
A19920062000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA, Johnson Space Center.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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