In an unprecedented innovation, a British startup has transformed the historic Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) into a wristwatch, preserving its rich legacy while offering a unique intersection of history and technology.
The Apollo Guidance Computer, once pivotal to NASA’s moon missions, has been remarkably minimized in size by the startup Apollo Instruments. Originally designed to guide astronauts to the moon, the AGC’s iconic display and keyboard system, known as DSKY, can now be worn as a wristwatch. This achievement marks a significant milestone in miniaturization, challenging the limits of modern manufacturing.
Mark Clayton, CEO of Apollo Instruments, embarked on this ambitious project by drawing inspiration from the vibrant green glow of digital displays. With a team that includes two former Formula 1 engineers, Clayton simulated the original MIT blueprints to recreate the miniaturized version of the DSKY, maintaining authenticity while adapting it for modern use.
The DSKY Moonwatch captures more than just history—it integrates advanced technological features. Like the original, it allows users to input noun and verb commands, which represented interactive operations in the AGC. Now, these commands facilitate functions such as adjusting time and accessing GPS on the watch, a testament to its functionality and homage to its spacefaring origins.
To create a genuine experience, Apollo Instruments incorporated original guidance software alongside modern features like GPS. The watch’s design also extends to matching the original Apollo 11’s display aesthetic, including custom color filters developed with Rosco, a recognized design company, ensuring the recreated DSKY display maintains its historical appearance.
The watch is programmed with open-source code, allowing enthusiasts to connect it to spaceflight simulators—replicating momentous space missions. This includes the capabilities of flying virtually to the moon by using the same commands once used by Neil Armstrong and his crew. Users can also innovate by uploading custom software, making this not just a relic, but a tool for education and exploration.
Furthermore, Apollo Instruments’ attention to detail includes the replication of Luminary code, which famously allowed NASA missions to prioritize vital tasks during Apollo 11’s critical moments. This reiterates the AGC’s significant role in reliable and successful space missions despite its limitations compared to contemporary technology.
The watch’s physical design complements its rich technological framework, featuring a stainless-steel body, military-grade ceramic coating, and a genuine Italian leather strap, enhancing its aesthetic appeal while maintaining durability in diverse conditions.
Clayton’s vision for the future of the DSKY Moonwatch is rooted in community involvement, guiding further innovations to make the watch an even more interactive piece of history. Envisioning a customizable circuit board, Clayton invites users to shape its future potential, emphasizing the limitless possibilities this watch offers beyond its historical significance.
The transformation of the Apollo Guidance Computer into a wearable device beautifully combines historical reverence with modern innovation. Apollo Instruments has not only created a tangible link to space history but also opened new avenues for educational and technological exploration. The DSKY Moonwatch stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the legacy of the Apollo missions, inviting a new generation to interact with and learn from one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
Source: Space
