BOSTON, MASS.- A Saturn V Launch Vehicle Digital Computer Memory Module sold for $71,335 according to Boston-based
RR Auction.
Produced by IBM for NASA, the module is a self-contained assembly with memory timing, drive, inhibit, and sensing circuits arranged around the core array for use in the launch vehicle. It has a capacity of 4,096-word locations (28 bits each) of primary storage, and up to eight of these modules could be grouped together for an overall capacity of 32KB.
These memory modules were used in the Launch Vehicle's Digital Computer, which was installed within the Saturn IB and Saturn V Instrument Unit (IU) to support prelaunch checkout; navigation, guidance and attitude control; flight sequence control; and orbital checkout of vehicle systems.
This served as the 'brains' of the Saturn flight control system and employed the first computer application and architecture in which all critical circuits were triplicated (triple modular redundancy), giving near-ultimate operative reliability.
"This Memory Module was essential to operations of the Saturn V systems and is an excellent piece of history associated not only with NASA but with computational innovation as a whole," said Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction.
Additional highlights from the sale include, but are not limited by:
Gus Grissom Prototype Pressure Suit from Project Gemini sold for $64,850.
Dave Scott's Apollo 15 Flown CSM update checklist sold for $58,855.
Alan Shepard Project Mercury spacesuit glove sold for $43,923.
Jack Swigert's Apollo 13 Flown Flag sold for $52,878.
Dave Scott's Apollo 15 Flown CSM G&C checklist sold for $48,638.
Online bidding for the Space Exploration by RR Auction began March 10 and concluded April 21.