Back to photostream

a (UI CM mockup)_v_bw_o_n (4-17-63, NAA Photo no. 7005-83-23 F)

A rare interior view of an unidentified Apollo Command Module mockup, taken April 17, 1963 at North American Aviation’s (NAA) Space and Information Systems Division, Downey, CA. Too many cool, obscure, and to me, unidentifiable/unknown things/items going on here to bring attention to…just enjoy.

I am, however, compelled to point out the reel-to-reel tape drive. It’s obviously incorporated into the mockup, and not GSE. I’d never really considered this before; was such actually considered/required/used aboard the spacecraft? Apparently ‘yes’…at least as of 1963? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

I’ll be damned…not GSE, but DSE (Data Storage Equipment):

 

www.spaceaholic.com/index.php/Detail/Object/Show/object_i...

Credit: Scott Schneeweis/”Spaceaholic” website

 

And:

 

www.ninfinger.org/models/vault/spaceflight.pdf

Credit: Sven Knudson/the wonderful Ninfinger website

 

With excellent explanation of the DSE:

 

www.ibiblio.org/apollo/ApolloProjectOnline/Documents/SMA2...

Credit: "The Virtual AGC Project:: Gemini — Apollo — Shuttle" website

 

Who knew???

Did YOU???

I did NOT!!!

 

Really makes one appreciate the incredible feat that was Apollo.

 

8.5” x ~11”, with three-ring binder punch holes, with an extremely fine satin finish.

808 views
9 faves
0 comments
Uploaded on July 30, 2025