This device, made by the Barnes Instrument Company, was used to assist a Mercury astronaut in locating the Earth's horizon, relative to the attitude of a Mercury capsule. An accurate determination of the horizon was considered a good human backup to orient the craft for a return from orbit, in case the automatic control systems failed. This is probably an unflown specimen.
Transferred from NASA to the Museum in 1977.
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
Barnes Instrument Company
Dimensions
3-D: 15.9 × 12.7 × 12.7cm, 1.2kg (6 1/4 × 5 × 5 in., 2.7lb.)
Materials
Aluminum
Glass
Rubber
Plastic
Electrical Tape
Coating
Inventory Number
A19770567000
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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