Flown Star Orientation device carried on board the Salyut 6 space station. Model AO-1 device measures 7 x 17.5 x 6.5, retains its mount, and is numbered 130712 along the bottom of the metal label. A small leather pocket is attached to the left side to hold a writing instrument. This was used for orbit stabilization, astrophysical orientation, and programmed turns for the space station. This precision instrument was on board the space station until around 1980, when it was returned to Earth and given to the Gagarin Center for Cosmonaut training. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity, in Russian, from one of the center’s instructors, which reads in full: “AO-1 astrotracker No.130712 was a part of the onboard equipment of the ‘Salyut-6’ space station and was used by the crews of major expeditions (’Taymyr’ [Romanenko], ‘Foton’ [Kovalenok], ‘Pamir”’[Dzhanibekov], ‘Illegible,’ ‘Proton’ [Lyakhov], and ‘Dnepr’ [Popov]) to perform space station orientation, stabilization, and programmed reorientation (angular steering) maneuvers for the purpose of guiding the axes of scientific hardware and telescopes toward specific celestial references. AO-1 astrotracker No.130712 was later returned to Earth for the performance of endurance studies and testing at the ‘Energy’ Research and Production Association (RPA), and was then moved to the Yu. A. Gagarin Crew Training Center, where it was used for educational purposes until 1984.” In fine condition, with scattered wear from use, a few small patches of light surface corrosion, and crazing to the smaller rubber eyepiece. RR Auction COA.
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