Redstone ST-80 Stabilized Platform

The Redstone was an inertially-guided missile; once launched, the ground team could not correct the missile's course. In order to hit its target, the missile required a means by which it could establish where it was along its flight trajectory; it used the ST-80 stabilized platform, which provided a space-fixed reference for measuring the missile's movement.

Before launch, the missile's intended trajectory was computed and preset into the guidance and control system. The ST-80 contained gyros and accelerometers which allowed the missile to sense where it was in space and the guidance computer compared its location to the preset trajectory. If a discrepancy occurred, the guidance and control system calculated the actions necessary to return the missile to its intended trajectory.

During the boost phase, the missile's course could be adjusted via carbon jet vanes in the engine's exhaust and via air rudders on the missile's fins. After the propellants were exhausted, explosive screws separated the aft unit and warhead section from the boost portion of the missile and relied on air vanes and jet nozzles (basically cold gas thruster) to guide the payload to its intended target.

The museum displays a Redstone ST-80 stabilized platform. A portion of the exterior is cut away (although I'm uncertain as to whether the exterior is a protective carrying case for use prior to installing in the instrument compartment or was a permanent part of the component).