11
$\begingroup$

The BBC News article Apollo in 50 Numbers; The Technology shows an image of the Saturn V's computer along with the caption:

The Saturn V's computer was probably the largest computer ever blasted into orbit (Credit: Nasa)

Question: I see a large number of individual boxes along the inside of this ring, and a large "cable harness" above providing interconnection between each box. Is all of this just the computer itself, or are there several related system present.

enter image description here

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

18
$\begingroup$

That ring is the "instrument unit" (IU). Here's a picture of the component layout.

enter image description here

There is more there than a computer, but it's mostly dedicated to guidance, navigation, and control. There's a hugely detailed fact sheet here. It lists the systems of the IU as

enter image description here

A more detailed layout (same source as first picture).

enter image description here

Image source

$\endgroup$
3

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.