Apollo Command Module DC - AC Static Inverter - Space Hardware
Item History & Price
Reference Number: Avaluer:2818547 | Modified Item: No |
Type: Hardware | Country/Region of Manufacture: United States |
Year: 1964 |
The unit was built by Westinghouse for NASA to power the electrical systems in the Apollo command module. It converted 28VDC from the fuel cells to 115/200VAC 400Hz 3-phase 1250VA. This was one of three inverters mounted in the lower equipment bay, near the astronaut's feet.
BP14 (boiler plate #14) was a fully functional command module. It was used for comprehensive testing but never flown. This B...P was used for checking systems for the flight of CM 009.
This is an exceedingly rare piece of space exploration history. With the upcoming anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing an authentic piece of Apollo hardware is of particular interest.
Whether this inverter is functional is unknown. It is in the original condition as when it was removed from BP14 in the 1980s. This inverter also includes its original glycol cold plate.
From Apollo Spacecraft Systems Development Diaries:
1962 November 13 - . Westinghouse to build power conversion units for the Apollo command module - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical. North American Aviation, Inc., selected the Aerospace Electrical Division of Westinghouse Electric Corporation to build the power conversion units for the command module (CM) electrical system. The units would convert direct current from the fuel cells to alternating current.
1965 April 26-May 2 - . Apollo boilerplate 14 simulated the mission for spacecraft 009 - . Nation: USA. Program: Apollo. Spacecraft: Apollo CSM, CSM Electrical. Using boilerplate 14, North American simulated the mission for spacecraft 009. The test was conducted in two phases, with the vehicle on external and then internal power. All data showed satisfactory performance..
Reference:
1. BOILER&ATE NO. 14, HOUSE SPACECRAFT NO. 1 SPECIFICATION
PROJECT APOLLO SPACECRAFT (Unclassified) NAS 9-150 , 28 February 1962
2. NASA Roundup Vol 4 No 15, "Apollo Boilerplate-14 Checks, Perfects Systems For Flight To Moon"
3. Apollo Training: Apollo Spacecraft & Systems Familiarization, Course Number APC-118