This is part of the internal resonant component of a Hemispherical Resonator Gyro (HRG). It generates an electrical field that causes the cup-shaped resonator to vibrate at a specific frequency. An HRG senses acceleration by the change in phase of vibration of a cup-shaped resonator, similar to the way a wine-glass resonates when rubbed by a wet finger. The device is rugged and accurate, and it has replaced other models of mechanical gyroscopes on most deep-space missions, as well asn other applications.Northrop Grumman donated this to the Museum in 2011.
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