Country of Origin: United States of America
3-D Test: 35.6 x 45.7 x 33cm (14 x 18 x 13 in.)
Aluminum case with interior parts consisting of wires, semiconductors, and other electronic components.
This is an on-board guidance computer used in the Gemini program. In contrast to Mercury capsules, which had no on-board computing capability, Gemini spacecraft required an on-board computer to assist in rendezvous operations and in maneuvers to change its orbit. Both were necessary steps to lunar expeditions undertaken with Project Apollo.
The computer used discrete, solid state components and magnetic core memory. It was manufactured by IBM. This specimen is probably an unflown test article.
Transferred from NASA to the Museum in 1973.
Transferred from National Aeronautics and Space Administration