Although computers controlled much of an Apollo mission automatically, there were several parts of a mission where an astronaut's interaction with the computer was critical. The Display Keyboard (DSKY, pronounced as a word "diskey") was the primiary interface between Apollo astronauts and the computers on both the Command and Lunar Modules. A Command module had two DSKYs: one on the main control panel and one in the lower navigation bay. The LM had one, identical DSKY. The interface consisted of a simple numerical keyboard, a row of status lights, and a set of lighted numerical indicators. Astronauts instructed the computer by keying in numerical codes in a "verb - noun" sequence; e.g. "display velocity."
This specimen is probably an unflown version used for tests.
Transferred to the National Air and Space Museum to NASA in 1976.
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
Raytheon Production Corp.
Dimensions
3-D: 20.3 x 16.5 x 20.3cm (8 x 6 1/2 x 8 in.)
Materials
Metal housing, with plastic keys and display panel.
Inventory Number
A19760744000
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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