This is a guidance computer designed and built for Project Gemini, a two-man spacecraft. It flew on the Gemini 8 mission, on March 16, 1966, piloted by astronauts Neil Armstrong and Dave Scott.
Gemini Guidance Computers were stored-program, digital, real-time, solid state computers, which provided on-board calculations for pre-launch and re-entry, as well as back-up guidance for the launch vehicle during ascent. They were built for NASA by the Federal Systems Division of IBM, located in Owego, New York.
Transferred from NASA to the Museum in 1968.
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
3-D (Hexboard Storage): 81.3 × 66 × 35.6cm, 30.4kg (2 ft. 8 in. × 2 ft. 2 in. × 1 ft. 2 in., 67lb.)
3-D (Computer, Guidance, Gemini 8): 48.3 × 36.8 × 33cm, 2.7kg (1 ft. 7 in. × 1 ft. 2 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 1 in., 6lb.)
Materials
Anodized Aluminum
Magnesium
Ferrous Alloy
Plastics
Unknown Coating
Electronic Components
Paint
Ink
Inventory Number
A19680264000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.