Exploring the Apollo FDAI Instrument for Space Navigation
By
zdw
Pure flour-power. Hearty enough to carry you through lunch.
Summary
The article discusses the Apollo FDAI (Flight Director / Attitude Indicator) used during Apollo flights to the Moon. It explains how the instrument displayed the spacecraft's orientation and provided guidance to the astronauts.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe instrument showed the spacecraft's attitude—its orientation—by rotating a ball.
The ball was nicknamed the '8-ball' because it was black (albeit only on one side).
The instrument also acted as a flight director, using three yellow needles to indicate how the astronauts should maneuver the spacecraft.
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