DSC-RX100M3
ƒ/3.5
8.8 mm
1/80
125

As a child, I used to draw pictures of consoles like this. It’s an Apollo two-terminal console from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, or simply “Houston” as the astronauts called it. This particular console was also used in the filming of the movie Apollo 13. I have not found that footage yet, but here is a great photo essay on mission control:

Since then, it has been upgraded for the Shuttle program for K-band and S-band support for Shuttle command and control. And this panel was used during the Challenger explosion in 1986.

I might need to power it up… the inner sections are fully populated with the original electronics.

15 responses to “Apollo Mission Control Console from JSC Houston”

  1. jurvetson Avatar
    jurvetson

    In use for Apollo 13 !!Apollo 13 Mission Control with Fred Haise and Gene KranzFully populated inside… The backside: 3321532_5 Front row of the Apollo Mission Operations Control Room Liebergot-8210And the movie Apollo 13 with Tom Hanks

    Reply
  2. PeterThoeny Avatar
    PeterThoeny

    Very cool!

    Reply
  3. imusicmash Avatar
    imusicmash

    at the computer science museum, consoles like this usually have an ash tray built-in. Not spotting one here 🙂

    Reply
  4. In Memoriam: jerryfi_99 Avatar
    In Memoriam: jerryfi_99

    Cool. These are like the consoles we used in the Mission Control Centers at the AFSCF in Sunnyvale (before the rename to Onizuka AFS.

    Reply
  5. gsikich1 Avatar
    gsikich1

    This could be very interesting when visitors sit across from you. A nice addition to your collection.

    Reply
  6. The Original Rocket Dungeon Avatar
    The Original Rocket Dungeon

    This is so awesome. When I entered the work force, I occasionally worked on the configuration of these consoles. One of the MOCRs would be configured especially for each flight (Shuttle ALT at the time). You mentioned electronics. I don’t know what was in them is the mid 80’s but when I worked on them they were basically just switches and lamps and LOTS of wiring leading to computer and audio systems. I want to see a photo of you working at one with the PBI’s illuminated. 🙂

    Reply
  7. jurvetson Avatar
    jurvetson

    Good ideas, y’all. [https://www.flickr.com/photos/imusicmash] — Ah yes, like the IBM SAGE, sporting built-in cigarette lighters and ashtrays at each console IBM's $10 Billion Machine

    Reply
  8. bike-R Avatar
    bike-R

    What’s next, an ARIA aircraft for the front lobby? http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=786

    Reply
  9. Kaets Ebut Avatar
    Kaets Ebut

    It’s no Neve console, but it’ll do! (And probably just as useful for locating Foo Fighters.)

    Reply
  10. sbove Avatar
    sbove

    all-saturn-v-rockets-launched-at-the-same-time zerostatereflex.tumblr.com/post/87054113919/

    Reply
  11. mwarren_us Avatar
    mwarren_us

    The companion article "Apollo Flight Controller 101: Every console explained" includes more details. Which functions does your desk handle? arstechnica.com/science/2012/10/apollo-flight-controller-…

    Reply
  12. Vectrexer Avatar
    Vectrexer

    Very cool! I saw this console (or one like it) in operation in at JSC back in 1969. It was awesome to have family and friends working there to take you on the special tours. But event eh regular tours back then offered a more accessible JSC for the general public than they do now. A product of the times I guess.

    Reply
  13. jurvetson Avatar
    jurvetson

    After Apollo, this console was adapted for some Space Shuttle missions. The major physical adjustment was the addition of the two angled platforms on top to hold monitor screens. But I was not sure which Shuttle missions. Then I spied a button… top left here: SpaceLab – the ESA space station! I just did a post on the original 128KB SpaceLab computer, with a summary of the missions 1983 – 1998Original Computer from Spacelab, the first European Space Station

    Reply
  14. The Original Rocket Dungeon Avatar
    The Original Rocket Dungeon

    [https://www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson] The details of the configs certainly changed for Shuttle but the were largely the same for the ALT missions. At some point they were outfitted with actual computers and then, maybe in the late 80’s were changed a lot. My memory is fuzzy as my involvement waned.

    Reply
  15. jurvetson Avatar
    jurvetson

    a photo I keep near the console… Houston, we have a rescue!

    Reply

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