Saturn V Instrument Unit
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Saturn V Instrument Unit is a ring-shaped structure fitted to the top of the Saturn V rocket's third stage (S-IVB) and the Saturn IB's second stage (S-IVB). It was immediately below the SLA (Spacecraft/Lunar Module Adapter) panels that contain the Lunar Module. The Instrument Unit contains the guidance system for the Saturn V rocket. Some of the electronics contained within the Instrument Unit are a digital computer, analog flight control computer, emergency detection system, inertial guidance platform, control accelerometers and control rate gyros. NASA's subcontractor for the Instrument Unit was International Business Machines (IBM).
[edit] Instrument Unit Specifications
- Diameter: 21.7 ft (6.6 m)
- Height: 3 ft (914 mm)
- Weight empty: 500 lb (227 kg)
- Weight assembled:4,400 lb (1996 kg)
