Interesting inertial guidance system developed by Honeywell and used at Johnson Space Center, possibly for testing as a candidate system for the Space Shuttle. Measuring approximately 16″ x 6″ x 13″, the unit bears an affixed identification plate, "Inertial Navigation System, Mfr P/N YG9094A1, S/N 001, Date of Mfg. 8433," and is marked, "34043302, Rev., 34043303-001, S/N-001." A partial tag on the opposite side indicates that it was loaned/leased to JSC by Honeywell. It is a ring laser gyroscope-based inertial measurement unit (IMU) coupled with the electronics to operate the gyroscopes and accelerometers and to serve as the computing elements to solve the guidance equations. It is designed to output values like velocities in the spacecraft axes and likely does computing internally since, unlike an IMU alone, it is equipped with the ability to compute or update position information.
The absence of air cooling and the presence of liquid connectors suggests that it was intended for spacecraft applications. The consigner of this item was told that it was a candidate system for the Space Shuttle, but there is no verification of the program affiliation. NASA eventually decided on an IMU from Singer Kearfott for the Shuttle which is a gimballed, mechanical gyroscope system.
