NASA Shuttle Blanket Insulation Actuator Pitch TVC | 1984
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: United States (NASA, Space Shuttle Program)
Material: Fibrous silica batting (blanket insulation)
Period: April 1983 (Flown shuttle component)
Description
This rare flown piece of shuttle blanket insulation, measuring approximately 11 inches by 10 inches, is a genuine artifact from NASA’s Space Shuttle Program. Stamped with the manufacturing date of April 1983, serial number S/N 008, and manufacturer code MFR 25167, it represents a critical component of shuttle engineering. Originally developed to replace Low-Temperature Reusable Surface Insulation (LRSI) tiles, this quilt-like fibrous silica material provided advanced thermal protection while reducing maintenance requirements, making it an essential upgrade in the shuttle’s Thermal Protection System.
Features
- Authentic flown shuttle insulation panel
- Stamped with date (April 1983), serial number, and manufacturer code
- Quilted fibrous silica batting designed for extreme thermal resistance
- Direct connection to shuttle flight heritage
Cultural Significance
Thermal protection was vital for shuttle missions, particularly during ascent and re-entry. This insulation safeguarded the shuttle from extreme atmospheric and orbital temperatures, reflecting NASA’s innovation in aerospace materials. Closely tied to ascent thrust vector control (TVC) and other mission-critical systems, components like this ensured stability, trajectory precision, and crew safety. As part of one of humanity’s greatest engineering achievements, this artifact is not only a technological relic but also a symbol of the ingenuity and ambition of the Space Shuttle era.
Condition
Well-preserved with visible identification markings, consistent with flown shuttle heritage.
Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 11 in
Width: 10 in
Age
April 1983 (Flown shuttle component)
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: United States (NASA, Space Shuttle Program)
Material: Fibrous silica batting (blanket insulation)
Period: April 1983 (Flown shuttle component)
Description
This rare flown piece of shuttle blanket insulation, measuring approximately 11 inches by 10 inches, is a genuine artifact from NASA’s Space Shuttle Program. Stamped with the manufacturing date of April 1983, serial number S/N 008, and manufacturer code MFR 25167, it represents a critical component of shuttle engineering. Originally developed to replace Low-Temperature Reusable Surface Insulation (LRSI) tiles, this quilt-like fibrous silica material provided advanced thermal protection while reducing maintenance requirements, making it an essential upgrade in the shuttle’s Thermal Protection System.
Features
- Authentic flown shuttle insulation panel
- Stamped with date (April 1983), serial number, and manufacturer code
- Quilted fibrous silica batting designed for extreme thermal resistance
- Direct connection to shuttle flight heritage
Cultural Significance
Thermal protection was vital for shuttle missions, particularly during ascent and re-entry. This insulation safeguarded the shuttle from extreme atmospheric and orbital temperatures, reflecting NASA’s innovation in aerospace materials. Closely tied to ascent thrust vector control (TVC) and other mission-critical systems, components like this ensured stability, trajectory precision, and crew safety. As part of one of humanity’s greatest engineering achievements, this artifact is not only a technological relic but also a symbol of the ingenuity and ambition of the Space Shuttle era.
Condition
Well-preserved with visible identification markings, consistent with flown shuttle heritage.
Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 11 in
Width: 10 in
Age
April 1983 (Flown shuttle component)
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