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This is an engineering test model of a device flown aboard the Orbiting Geophysical Observatory (OGO) series of satellites, of which five were flown from 1964 through 1969. The device scanned and locked on to the Earth's horizon, by sensing infra-red radiation. It used that information to keep the satellite always pointing "down" (toward the center of the Earth), which was required for its mission. The devices were built by TRW Space Systems for the NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center, which managed the program.

NASA transferred this object to the Museum in 2007.

 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 EQUIPMENT-Electronics Manufactured for NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center
 Manufacturer TRW Space Technology Lab
 Dimensions 8.89 x 5.4 x 4.13cm (3 1/2in. x 2 1/8in. x 1 5/8in.) (Approximate)
 Materials Steel
Copper
Aluminum
Plastic
Nylon
Paper
Adhesive
 Inventory Number A20080401000 Credit Line Gift of Bill Hibbard Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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