Own a literal piece of the global communications network that powered the Apollo Moon Landings, Skylab, and the early Space Shuttle eras.
This rare, official NASA presentation lucite block features an authentic U494 Core Memory Segment removed directly from the historic NASCOM (NASA Communications Network) Message Switching System. Located in Building 3/14 at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, this very hardware system was responsible for routing critical data, voice, and telemetry tracking for over 1,200 manned and unmanned spaceflight missions between 1967 and 1984.
As shown in IMG_0940.jpg, the front of the award beautifully showcases the intricate, hand-woven magnetic core memory grid—the groundbreaking, foundational technology used for data storage before the advent of modern solid-state microchips. The award was presented in March 1985 to Jack Rogers in appreciation for vital support of the NASCOM network, and features the printed signature of Daniel A. Spintman, Chief of the NASA Communications Division.
The reverse side, captured in IMG_0942.jpg, features the technical inscription detailing the remarkable historical footprint of the U494 switching system, complete with the official retro blue NASCOM Network logo.
Artifact Highlights:
Authentic Space Hardware: Features a genuine piece of vintage magnetic core memory tracking hardware.
Deep Apollo-Era Provenance: The system was operational starting in 1967, meaning this hardware was actively running during the legendary Apollo lunar missions.
Excellent Preservation: Encased in a heavy, high-quality clear lucite display block that keeps the delicate copper-and-ferrite grid perfectly preserved.
Dual-Market Appeal: A premier crossover collectible highly sought after by both space exploration historians and vintage computing/cybernalia collectors.
Specifications:
Recipient: Jack Rogers
Presentation Date: March 1985
Origin: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Greenbelt, MD
Signatory: Daniel A. Spintman (Chief, NASA Communications Division)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The lucite remains highly clear with crisp text and vivid graphics. Minor scratches. Please view photos
This piece was acquired directly from the estate of the original recipient, Jack Rogers, (my grandfather) who served as a NASA specialist during the golden age of space exploration.
Own a literal piece of the global communications network that powered the Apollo Moon Landings, Skylab, and the early Space Shuttle eras.
This rare, official NASA presentation lucite block features an authentic U494 Core Memory Segment removed directly from the historic NASCOM (NASA Communications Network) Message Switching System. Located in Building 3/14 at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, this very hardware system was responsible for routing critical data, voice, and telemetry tracking for over 1,200 manned and unmanned spaceflight missions between 1967 and 1984.
As shown in IMG_0940.jpg, the front of the award beautifully showcases the intricate, hand-woven magnetic core memory grid—the groundbreaking, foundational technology used for data storage before the advent of modern solid-state microchips. The award was presented in March 1985 to Jack Rogers in appreciation for vital support of the NASCOM network, and features the printed signature of Daniel A. Spintman, Chief of the NASA Communications Division.
The reverse side, captured in IMG_0942.jpg, features the technical inscription detailing the remarkable historical footprint of the U494 switching system, complete with the official retro blue NASCOM Network logo.
Artifact Highlights:
Authentic Space Hardware: Features a genuine piece of vintage magnetic core memory tracking hardware.
Deep Apollo-Era Provenance: The system was operational starting in 1967, meaning this hardware was actively running during the legendary Apollo lunar missions.
Excellent Preservation: Encased in a heavy, high-quality clear lucite display block that keeps the delicate copper-and-ferrite grid perfectly preserved.
Dual-Market Appeal: A premier crossover collectible highly sought after by both space exploration historians and vintage computing/cybernalia collectors.
Specifications:
Recipient: Jack Rogers
Presentation Date: March 1985
Origin: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Greenbelt, MD
Signatory: Daniel A. Spintman (Chief, NASA Communications Division)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The lucite remains highly clear with crisp text and vivid graphics. Minor scratches. Please view photos
This piece was acquired directly from the estate of the original recipient, Jack Rogers, (my grandfather) who served as a NASA specialist during the golden age of space exploration.
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