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 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

The Spacelab Instrument Pointing System (IPS) was a three-axis gimbaled mounting platform used on an exposed pallet in the payload bay of the Space Shuttle. It provided excellent pointing accuracy and stability for telescopes, cameras, and other scientific instruments attached to it.

The European Space Agency developed the IPS for the Spacelab program. Two IPS units were manufactured by Dornier, but only one was flown. The IPS displayed here was used on three missions: Spacelab 2 (1985), Astro-1 (1990), and Astro-2 (1995). NASA transferred it to the Museum when the Spacelab program ended.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Space Science at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Space Science
Object Details
Country of Origin Federal Republic of Germany Type INSTRUMENTS-Scientific Manufacturer Dornier
 Dimensions 3-D: 210.8 x 269.2 x 320cm, 1134kg (83 in. x 106 in. x 10 ft. 6 in., 2500lb.)
 Materials aluminum and steel structure; MLI multi-layer thermal insulation blankets (NOMEX, aluminized mylar, gold foil, etc.)
 Inventory Number A19990001006 Credit Line Transferred from NASA Kennedy Space Center. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.