Carrying Case, Payload and General Support Computer

This is the carrying case for the Payload and General Purpose Computer, a commercial laptop computer that was used by Shuttle astronauts for a variety of mission duties. The computer, manufactured by Grid Systems, Inc., was chosen because of its durable metal case and because its memory did not use a rotating disk, which at that time was considered prone to mechanical failure. Modifications were made to adapt it for use in space by the company SAIC.

It is not known if this case flew with the laptop on Shuttle missions. The laptop flew on mission STS-56, in April 1993. NASA transferred this case and the computer to the Museum in 1998.