Astronavigator Prototype

Ed Collen, an engineer working for NASA, built this prototype device as a backup for Apollo astronauts in case their primary navigation system failed. It used an arrangement of a globe and star charts.  

P. V. H. Weems, the famous air navigation innovator, was enthusiastic about the Astronavigator, but NASA chose not to adopt it.

Caption:
Ed Collen, a NASA engineer, built this prototype device as a backup for Apollo astronauts in case their primary navigation system failed.
Type: Artifact
Image Date: 2012
Credit: National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution
Origin: National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution
Creator: Eric Long
NASM 2012-02199

Related Resources
Topics
Navigation Methods
 

nasm2012-02199.jpg

Ed Collen, a NASA engineer, built this prototype device as a backup for Apollo astronauts in case their primary navigation system failed.

nasm2012-02200.jpg

Ed Collen, a NASA engineer, built this prototype device as a backup for Apollo astronauts in case their primary navigation system failed.

nasm2012-02201.jpg

Ed Collen, a NASA engineer, built this prototype device as a backup for Apollo astronauts in case their primary navigation system failed.

nasm2012-02202.jpg

Ed Collen, a NASA engineer, built this prototype device as a backup for Apollo astronauts in case their primary navigation system failed.