This Inertial Measurement Unit was carried on the Apollo 14 Command Module, crewed by Alan Shepard, Stuart Roosa, and Edgar Mitchell, in January 1971. The device consisted of gyroscopes and accelerometers, which measured accelerations and the position of the spacecraft in the Zero-G environment of space. Data from this unit was used by the crew and by the on-board digital computer to control the spacecraft, and to position it correctly for critical maneuvers as it traveled to and from Lunar orbit.

NASA transferred the object to the Museum in 1975.

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

AC Spark Plug Division, General Motors Corporation

Dimensions

3-D: 33 x 26.7cm (13 x 10 1/2 in.)

Materials

HAZMAT: Beryllium, Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Plastic, Copper, Rubber (Silicone)

Inventory Number

A19770222001

Credit Line

Transferred from National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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