Keyboard for the Space Shuttle's Multifunction CRT Display System (MCDS), centered within a gray panel measuring 19″ x 9″ x 6.5″, marked on the rear as part number "SED36137532-301, S/N 1003." The grid of 32 pushbuttons includes alphanumeric buttons labeled "A" through "F" and "0" through "9," as well as buttons marked "Fault Summ," "Sys Summ," "Msg Reset," "GCP/CRT," "I/O Reset," "Item," "Exec," "OPS," "Spec," "Resume," and "Clear." In fine condition.
The MCDS, located on the orbiter crew compartment flight deck, allows onboard monitoring of orbiter systems, computer software processing, and manual control for flight crew data and software manipulation. The system is operated via three keyboards, mounted to the left and right of the flight deck's center console, and at the side aft flight station. Using these keys, the flight crew can ask the GPC more than 1,000 questions about the mission and condition of the vehicle.
Provenance: The Spaceflight America Museum and Science Center in Prince Frederick, MD.
