Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This is the Instrument Unit, Serial No. S-IU 500D-2 as used on the Dynamic Test version of the Saturn V. The IU performed the crucial function of guidance, navigation, and control for the Saturn 1B and the Saturn V: the primary launch vehicles for the Apollo missions to the Moon and for the Skylab space station. A ring-shaped structure, the IU was an integral part of the Saturn rockets, and were located between the upper stage and the payload. (Apollo Command and Lunar Modules had separate guidance systems that took over for later phases of their missions.)

IUs were built by the IBM Corporation, at a plant in Huntsville, Alabama next to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. After the last flight of the Saturn (for Skylab), ownership of several IUs was transferred to the Smithsonian.

 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 IBM Corporation
 Dimensions Approximate: 21ft 8in. x 3ft (660.4 x 91.44cm)
 Materials Ring structure: aluminum honeycomb, aluminum alloy at edges.
 Inventory Number A19750679000 Credit Line Transferred from NASA Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.