Space Shuttle Surface Position Indicator from Simulator
  • Space Shuttle Surface Position Indicator as removed from a high fidelity Space Shuttle simulator.
  • Displays the deflection angles of aerodynamic surfaces of the Space Shuttle, including the wing elevons, the body flap, and the tail rudder and speedbrake.
  • Although a critical part of countless flight simulations, the unit was no longer needed after the Space Shuttle avionics were upgraded to a “glass cockpit” design (see NASA fact sheet pdf for more about the MEDS upgrade).
  • Hours meter indicates that this artifact has logged 2,031 hours of use in Space Shuttle simulators and in bench testing.
  • Retired from space program service in April 2009.
  • Images of the inside of the unit reveal the individual display tape drive mechanisms and circuits, which move the needles along the gauge scales.

5.79 lbs. (2.63 kg)

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