Space Shuttle Communication Interface Unit, measuring 19″ x 10.5″ x 6″, marked on the reverse of the front panel as "36378 Assy 7007535-02, S/N 002." The face of the main panel has switches for "Power," "Lighting," and "Mode Selection"; buttons for "MDM Error," "CMD Reject," and "Generation"; and selector knobs for "Lighting," "Command Source," and "Payload Select." In very good to fine condition.
Provenance: The Spaceflight America Museum and Science Center in Prince Frederick, MD, and accompanied by the museum's display placard describing the piece: "The Communication Interface Unit is part of the Shuttle payload communication system, used to transfer information between the orbiter and its payload (such as a satellite. It supports hardline and radio frequency communications with a variety of payloads. The system is used to activate, check out and deactivate attached and detached payloads. The Communication Interface Unit is commonly used with the Inertial Upper Stage, although it may be used with other compatible payloads."
