The "Block I" Apollo Guidance Computer represented the initial design by the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory to meet NASA specifications for on-board Guidance, Navigation, and Control needed for a piloted mission to the Moon. It was replaced by a more advanced design, called "Block II," as the Apollo program matured. Block I computers were flown on three unmanned Apollo tests between August 1966 and April 1968.
This computer is an unflown, fully functional unit. It was built by the Raytheon Corporation, and used about 4,000 Integrated Circuits, supplied mainly by the Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation.
Transferred to the National Air and Space Museum from NASA in 1972.
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 Corp.
Dimensions
3-D: 61 x 39.4 x 15.2cm (24 x 15 1/2 x 6 in.)
Materials
Metal housing, containing electronic components, circuit boards inside.
Inventory Number
A19720343000
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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