This is the housing for a Hemispherical Resonator Gyro (HRG). An HRG senses acceleration by the change in phase of vibration of a cup-shaped resonator, similar to the way a wine-glass resonates when rubbed by a wet finger. The device is rugged and accurate, and it has replaced other models of mechanical gyroscopes on most deep-space missions, as well as in other applications.
Northrop Grumman donated this to the Museum in 2011.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
United States of America
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Guidance & Control
Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Company, INC.
3-D: 11.1 x 11.7 x 6.7cm (4 3/8 x 4 5/8 x 2 5/8 in.)
Case: Metal, probably aluminum.
Wire connector, Iron alloy, plastic, quartz, gold plating
A20110026000
Gift of Northrop Grumman.
National Air and Space Museum
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