The Amazing Story of the Apollo 8 Gyroscope

Explore the fascinating history of space exploration through the lens of a special gyroscope from the Apollo 8 mission in this TEDxMIT talk by Deborah Douglas. Discover how this instrument, designed by David Hoag and his team at the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory, played a crucial role in enabling human lunar missions. Learn about the challenges faced during its development, including a $20 million problem with ball bearings, and gain insights into the collaborative efforts of dedicated individuals who combined their unique skills to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Delve into the speaker's extensive background in aerospace history and her work at prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and NASA Langley Research Center. Gain a deeper appreciation for the technological advancements and human ingenuity that made space exploration possible.

The amazing story of the Apollo 8 gyroscope | Deborah Douglas | TEDxMIT