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This device, made by the Advanced Technology Laboratories, was mounted on the left-hand side of the exterior of the Gemini space capsule. It was used, in conjunction with an electronics package, to sense the position of the Earth's horizon relative to the capsule's position in orbit. It contained a pivoting mirror, lens, and infra-red sensor to locate the horizon. The location of the horizon relative to the spacecraft was used to align the spacecraft or its inertial guidance system.

This specimen was probably not flown but used for test purposes.

Transferred to the National Air and Space Museum from NASA 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 Advanced Technology Laboratories
 Dimensions 3-D: 15.6 × 14.1 × 11.7cm, 1.4kg (6 1/8 × 5 9/16 × 4 5/8 in., 3.1lb.)
 Materials Aluminum
Glass
Ruber
Plastic
Coating
HAZMAT: Cadmium Plating
 Inventory Number A19770598000 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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