In the 1960’s digital computers were undergoing a radical change: a switch to integrated circuits and the central processing units (CPUs) that we all know and use today. The Saturn V was no different.

The Saturn V Instrument Unit (IU) served as the rocket’s central guidance and control system, housing the Launch Vehicle Digital Computer (LVDC) developed by IBM. The LVDC utilized magnetic core memory, a non-volatile storage technology composed of tiny magnetized rings that retained data without power. Each core memory module stored 4,096 words, with each word comprising 26 data bits and 2 parity bits, totaling 28 bits per word. These modules were integral to the LVDC’s operation, enabling reliable data storage and retrieval during the mission.