(3) NASA Space Shuttle Fit Check Tiles, Challenger OV 099 w/Shuttle Locations

(3) NASA Space Shuttle Fit Check Tiles, Challenger OV 099 w/Shuttle Locations

This is for Three Space Shuttle Fit Check Tiles from the Space Shuttle Challenger. Each of the tiles exact placement is shown in the pictures. One is still wrapped in original packing, I unwrapped it for pictures. Description of each tile is below. 

The tiles show obvious wear and tear due to having been used multiple times. These were actual used Fit Check Tile so they will not be nor should be expected to be in “perfect” condition. Tiles may show areas where it is scuffed, chipped, peeling, scratched etc...Please see pictures for condition.

This lot includes:

• VO70-395037-116, P1 099 ONLY, OML, TY3723, 5-82, G07291, EOA 12, Black Directional Arrow. Back of tile has in black marker 395037116 & Box 228, Tile measures 6 1/4" x 5 9/16" x 1 7/16", This tile placement was at the Aft Fuselage lower. 
• VO70-391036-394, XFWD-907-192 P1 099 OML, OV-099, T98-7 49, 2-85. Black directional arrow in ink and Signed signature, Sides of tile have stamped and written in black "DELTA",  Tile measures 6 13/16" x 4 1/2" x 1". This tile placement was at the Aft Fuselage Lower (FWD) 
• VO70-191018-029, RWNG907-1173-203, FWD RRI 481-001-TPS-3, TP-STS-9-BOO2, OML P1, 099 ONLY, 7/13/82.  Tile measures 6 1/16" x  6" x 3". This tile placement was Wing Lower.  

NASA Kennedy Space Center TPS & External Fit Check Reference Tile.

Both the TPS tiles and the Fit Check tiles were custom-designed for each Space Shuttle with every tile given a unique serial number that designates its exact location to be installed within the mosaic-like Orbiter tile configuration. The tiles were machined in variations of thickness, shape and contour, based on their designated Orbiter placement and the heat load that the TPS tile would encounter in that location. The tiles are fragile and require very careful handling with gloves; an accidental tap of the installer's tools could have damaged them, and even oil from their hands could have later compromised the integrity of the TPS tile in flight.

Please see Pictures since they are part of the description and show condition of items. Ask all questions or requests for more pictures prior to bidding and in enough time before auction closes for me to respond.

These items came from the Charles Bell Auction

Charles Bell Collection Auction

This item originally comes from the collection of Charles Henry Bell, an IBM telemetry engineer who began working on the instrument unit of the Saturn rocket in the fall of 1965, and who in March of 1967 (following the tragic Apollo 1 fire which killed astronauts, Grissom, Chaffee, and White) was recommended for a Manned Flight Awareness Award for his efforts to fix a calculation error problem with AS-204.

Combined Shipping: I will combine shipping when I can and if items can fit in one envelope, box etc..as long as its not too heavy, misshaped or could do damage to items. Please don't contact me with how to pack items. I ALWAYS pack ALL items with care no matter if $.10 or $10,000.00 and take extra steps and precautions to keep them from getting damaged by the post offices and carriers. If I am shipping a certain way and you prefer it to be shipped or packaged in another type of box, please let me know. IF I am able and have the materials (boxes) I will. I will contact you should there be any additional postage. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU WON SEVERAL ITEMS BEFORE PAYING SO I CAN BILL YOU WITH THE CORRECT SHIPPING. I've had eBay add shipping to each item even when combining and have also had them charge for an envelope when all other items must go in a shipping box.


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