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Earth Path Indicator, Mercury 4, 1961. Creator: Honeywell
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Earth Path Indicator, Mercury 4, 1961. Creator: Honeywell
The Mercury space capsule carried this device, designed by the Honeywell Corporation, which allowed the astronaut to see his orbital track and heading. For example, it indicated when the spacecraft was passing over a ground station or a landing site. The device was a simple globe, driven by a clockwork mechanism. Once in a stable orbit, the astronaut would wind up the clockwork, and set the position of a tiny scale model of the Mercury capsule, under which the globe would rotate. This specimen was flown aboard MA-4, an unmanned Mercury flight that preceeded the manned flights. Transferred from NASA to the Museum in 1972
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Media ID 23872147
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Air And Space Museum Aluminium Aviation Clockwork Device Flight Instrument Panel Measurement Nasa Nasm National Air And Space Museum Navigation Navigational Device Navigational Instrument Orbit Plastic Project Mercury Space Space Travel Spacecraft Tracking Orientation
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Earth Path Indicator, Mercury 4,1961 is a captivating print that showcases the ingenuity of Honeywell Corporation during the early days of space exploration. This remarkable device was an essential tool aboard the Mercury space capsule, allowing astronauts to visualize their orbital track and heading. Designed as a simple globe driven by clockwork mechanism, this indicator provided crucial information to astronauts about their position in space. Once in a stable orbit, the astronaut would wind up the clockwork and set the position of a tiny scale model of the Mercury capsule beneath it. As they journeyed through space, the globe would rotate accordingly, indicating when they passed over ground stations or potential landing sites. This particular specimen holds historical significance as it was flown aboard MA-4, an unmanned Mercury flight preceding manned missions. Transferred from NASA to the National Air and Space Museum in 1972, it serves as a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge and exploration beyond our planet. With its sleek aluminum case housing interior parts made from plastic and other materials, this navigational instrument exemplifies both technological advancement and aesthetic appeal. Its black color adds an air of mystery while symbolizing mankind's venture into uncharted territories. As we gaze upon this artifact from America's aerospace heritage at Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, we are reminded of how far we have come in our understanding of space travel. The Earth Path Indicator stands as a testament to human curiosity and determination to unravel the mysteries that lie beyond our home planet.
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