Apollo Command Module Block II Translation Controller from 1966

As mounted with the other controllers on the Apollo Couch at work.

The Translation Hand Controller is mounted on the left arm rest of the commanders couch. Its primary function was to provide 3 axis manual control of spacecraft velocity changes (for docking with the LM for example).

During launch however, rotation of the T-handle counterclockwise would initiate an emergency jettison and abort during the launch sequence. After launch, rotation clockwise (in conjunction with positioning of panel switches) overrode the autopilot and enabled several different modes of Spacecraft and Thrust Vector control modes of operation. The T-handle rotates 17 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise for these special modes.

Unit measures 6 x 4 x 4″ and retains its umbilical, with Beta cloth wrapping at the connection and where the umbilical splits. Affixed to one side of the unit are three Honeywell labels, with the first one reading, “Control—Translation; Mfr. Part No. CG160G2;…Contract No. M5J7XAZ-450012A; Mfr. Serial No. 10028DAL1009; Mfr. Date 12 OCT 1966.”