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This device, made by the Barnes Instrument Company, was used to assist a Mercury astronaut in locating the Earth's horizon, relative to the attitude of a Mercury capsule. An accurate determination of the horizon was considered a good human backup to orient the craft for a return from orbit, in case the automatic control systems failed. This is probably an unflown specimen.

Transferred from NASA to the Museum in 1977.

 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 Barnes Instrument Company
 Dimensions 3-D: 15.9 × 12.7 × 12.7cm, 1.2kg (6 1/4 × 5 × 5 in., 2.7lb.)
 Materials Aluminum
Glass
Rubber
Plastic
Electrical Tape
Coating
 Inventory Number A19770567000 Credit Line Transferred from National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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