This is one of several Instrument Units (IU) presently in the NASM collections. The Instrument Unit was mounted above the third stage of a Saturn V, or the second stage of a Saturn IB, and provided guidance for the launch vehicle. (Apollo Command and Lunar Modules had their own, separate on-board guidance systems.) Instrument Units were manufactured by IBM for the Saturn program.
An instrument unit consisted of a large ring that provided structural strength, inside of which were mounted a digital computer, an inertial reference unit, batteries, and other components. The IU for the Saturn V had the same dimensions as those for the Saturn 1B, but some of the components installed on it were different, reflecting the different needs of the two launch vehicles. This Unit is an unflown, development model for the 1-B.
Transferred to the National Air and Space Museum from NASA 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
IBM Corporation
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Dimensions
Overall: 36 in. tall x 12 in. wide x 264 in. diameter (91.44 x 30.48 x 670.56cm)
Materials
Aluminum ring with wires, electronic components, etc. mounted inside.
Inventory Number
A19750678000
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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