Extremely desirable Lunar Module rotational hand controller in its gray housing, measuring an overall 6.5″ x 10″ x 4″, with two 36″ umbilical cables extending from the top of the unit. The housing retains its original Honeywell label, reading: "Control Assembly, Attitude, Unit No. 005E, Mfg Part No. FOG163A1, NAA/S & ID Control No. LSC 300-190-1, Contract No. 3-5[…], Mfg Serial No. 005E, Mfg Date 12-14-65." Complete with its spring-loaded hand controller joystick with push-to-talk communications trigger switch. The controller mechanism remains tight and returns to neutral. In fine condition, with general wear and some splitting to the rubber dust boot cover.
This hand controller would be used for controlling the Lunar Module's attitude, for example, in the final phase of the landing when the crewman wants to take over from the computer and manually pitch the spacecraft to aid in picking a landing site. The handle pivots at the palm for pitch up/down, through the center of the handle for yaw left/right, and inside the housing for roll left/right. These three-axis controls for pitch, roll, and yaw were vital for successfully maneuvering the spacecraft to and from the lunar surface, and for rendezvous and coking with the Command Module on the return home. The controllers were referred to as the 'ACA' for Attitude Control Assembly. Some of the first words on the moon spoken by Buzz Aldrin were 'ACA out of detent.' A significant and easily recognizable piece of iconic Lunar Module hardware.
