Description

Edward Higgins White II test drives the Apollo guidance system at the Instrumentation Laboratory.

Original caption: "From the Office of Public Relations, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139" (CAPTION) Astronaut Lt. Col Edward H. White II (USAF), senior polot in three-man crew assigned to first manned APOLLO mission (AS204), trains with APOLLO guidance-navigation system in rooftop observatory at Instrumentation Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Rooftop navigator unit consists of a real G&N system plus operator's seat mounted in a yoke that permits movement in asimuth and elevation. Observatory roof retracts. Navigator unit is linked to a large-scale computer that simulates other APOLLO subsystems. Operators thus use real starts and a real G&N system to verify G&N design, instruments, man-machine interaction procedures, and G&N system to verify G&N computer programs for all APOLLO missions. Astronauts also use navigator unit to familiarize themselves with G&N operations. Instrumentation Laboratory is developing APOLLO G&N systems for both command module and lunar module under contract from Manned Spacecraft Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration. In addition, Laboratory is responsible for developing G&N flight computer programs for all APOLLO missions, including moon missions. Astronaut White was in Gemini IV crew and was first American to walk in space. In AS204, an earth orbital test, he will occupy center couch and will have G&N operation as one of his primary assignments. Command module G&N system includes computer unit, inertial measurement unit and optics unit. Optics space sextant and scanning telescope appear in photo at astronaut eye level.", Original credit line: "MIT Photo"