Rotation Control Inside




	On this page: Left View Front Left View Gears Right View Assembled View Apollo 15

Another Rotation Control (RC) with cover removed, revealing its amazing complexity.
Flown to lunar orbit as part of the Apollo 15 Command Module (CM)
Carefully machined aluminum and stainless steel parts respond to the astronaut’s hand movements with precision.
Numerous gears and springs relay the motion in three axes.
Three rotary variable-differential transformers and 18 switches output commands through the attached cable.
Cable is heavily braced and its wires are molded in place to minimize movement as the cable is flexed.
Would display well in combination with the completely assembled RC shown separately.
Modified with “internal mechanical interface material changes to preclude stress corrosion,” to serve as a spare RC for Apollo Skylab missions (Rockwell specification ME901-0704-0802).

At the completion of Project Apollo, the unit was modified with a Space Shuttle-type grip so it could be used in astronaut training.
Finally retired from space program service on November 21, 2000.
Although missing its original grip and microphone switch, the unit has been re-assembled with a grip and trigger molded from the other RC by Historic Space Systems.
Honeywell Part No. CG166H8, Rockwell spec. ME901-0704-0702, Serial No. 10028AAK1061, Manufacture Date 19 June 1969.
Modification Identification: Honeywell Part No. CG166H9, Rockwell spec. ME901-0704-0802, Acceptance Date 10 APR 73.


	Also see:

	Another flown RC, fully assembled:



	Apollo 15 mission details:

	Rotating Picture


	10 lbs. (4.5 kg)


	The unit is shown re-assembled (below) with a grip and trigger molded from the other RC. Number “1” stenciled on top of the housing indicates the RC to the right of the center couch. The protective plastic cover seen on the cable was installed after the flight.

Get a similar Apollo control handle grip model for yourself:




	NASA photo below shows the Apollo 15 interior during post-flight inspection of the spacecraft. Center couch is at bottom, control panel is at top. Arrow points to this RC (number 1). The number 2 RC is at left.