Early Shuttle missions carried a laptop computer made by Grid Systems, Inc. The Grid was chosen because of its rugged metal case and its use of a solid state memory instead of a rotating disk. Software developed for the Grid included a graphic that displayed the Orbiter's position in space at any given time, relative to the Earth and to the line of daylight/darkness.
This is an unflown model identical to those flown on early Shuttle missions.
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-Flight Management
Manufacturer
Grid Systems, Inc.
Dimensions
3-D (Closed): 38.1 × 29.8 × 5.7cm (1 ft. 3 in. × 11 3/4 in. × 2 1/4 in.)
3-D (Open): 38.1 × 29.8 × 24.1cm (1 ft. 3 in. × 11 3/4 in. × 9 1/2 in.)
Materials
Magnesium alloy, steel, plastic, paint, gold plating, glass
Solid State electronics inside. Glass "Electroluminescent" display.
Inventory Number
A19890006000
Credit Line
Gift of the Grid System Corporation
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
You may also like