Inertial Measurement Unit, Apollo 17

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .

IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.

View manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Object Details

Manufacturer

AC Spark Plug Division, General Motors Corporation

Designer

MIT Instrumentation Laboratory

Summary

This is the Inertial Measurement Unit from the Apollo 17 Command Module, the last Apollo mission to the Moon in 1972. This unit, designed by the MIT Instrumentation Lab and built by AC Spark Plug, employed a system of gyroscopes and other devices to provide a reference platform for the successful navigation of the craft from Earth orbit to Lunar orbit and back.

Transferred by NASA to the Museum in 1977.

Credit Line

Transferred from National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Inventory Number

A19770228000

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

INSTRUMENTS-Navigational

Materials

Metal housing, containing various metal and electronic parts inside.

Dimensions

Overall: 10 1/2 in. tall x 1 ft. 1 in. wide (26.67 x 33.02cm)

Country of Origin

United States of America

See more items in

National Air and Space Museum Collection

Location

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA

Exhibit Station

Human Spaceflight

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Metadata Usage

Not determined

Link to Original Record

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv98d006e80-1d82-4ceb-9cde-46a6c59df7af

Record ID

nasm_A19770228000