3 Images

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 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

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