NASA Space Shuttle Challenger OV-099 Only Fit Check Tile, Forward Fuselage Lower

NASA Space Shuttle Challenger OV-099 Only Fit Check Tile, Forward Fuselage Lower​

There have been several requests for me to sell individual tiles, so I will be offering several interesting and unique shaped Fit Check Tiles as  a "Buy it Now". 

This is an interesting wedge shaped Fit Check Tile that is heavier for its size compared to similar tiles. The tile is stamped with VO70-391044-062, FWD-9-07-1489, PI, T9B495, OML PNI, OV-099 ONLY. Back of tile edges has "RELIEF CUT"

Measures 7 15/16" x 7 1/4" x 2 1/4", tile weight approx. 15.7 oz. Placement for this tile was Forward Fuselage either Upper. 

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

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.


US Shipping: I do NOT make ANY money on shipping, eBay adds all costs and taxes where applicable. I ship USPS Priority or USPS Flat Rate the majority of the time so items can be tracked. I'm still not sure about USPS Advantage Ground or Media Mail and happy to get suggestions or feedback about them. If the item can be shipped for less with another carrier, or packaging, I'm always happy to go that route and refund the difference. Check my feedback, I have done this several times.

eBay Insurance: Because I don't know what Items can or will go for, I don't automatically add insurance. However, eBay over a certain amount will demand items be shipped with insurance. If eBay does NOT automatically ADD insurance to the shipping when the buyer checks out to pay, I will contact you with that amount. I am trying to find out if there is a way to have it automatically done.

International Shipping. I do NOT make ANY money on shipping, eBay adds all costs and taxes where applicable. I ship USPS Priority International or USPS Flat Rate International the majority of the time so items can be tracked. USPS costs depend on what country you are from and do not include tariffs or taxes. I'm happy to ship International Parcel at the buyer's request if less expensive, however, if there is no way of tracking, the buyer must take full responsibility if the package is not delivered or there is any problem. I am not responsible for items stuck in customs, taxes, or tariffs. Please check with your country on items allowed shipped and the timeline.