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Author
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Topic: Mercury spacecraft aft heat shield
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dfox
Member Posts: 208
From: Scarsdale, NY, United States
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 04-08-2013 10:01 PM
   
I purchased flown "Faith 7" aft heat shield section from the April 2013 Goldberg auction. I had been interested in acquiring Mercury related hardware for some time as it so rarely seen. I am interested to read more about the structure of the heat shield and in particular how it interfaced with the landing bag. I suspect the metal knob protruding from the heat shield must be part of that system. Any leads on relevant diagrams or photographs?  "Faith 7" (MA-9) carried Gordon Cooper on the final Mercury flight, May 15, 1963. The heat shield measures 6.5" long, 3" wide, 1.5" at its highest section, 1" deep at the narrowest area. This appears to be cut from the outer edge. There is a metal "bolt" which may be screwed in. Also, three screw holes on a tapered section. Built of honeycombed aluminum with many layers of glass-fiber material, the heat shield would boil away as the Mercury capsule descended through the atmosphere. As the silica material (fiberglass) melted, it deposited a white residue on its surface, resembling icing. Includes a consignor's handwritten, signed COA that reads in part, "This section of aft heat shield is from Mercury Capsule #20, "Faith 7", Gordon Cooper, Pilot. Given to me in 1963." |
LateApex
Member Posts: 44
From: Chicago
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 04-09-2013 12:19 AM
Congratulations on the purchase. Nice piece. |
David Carey
Member Posts: 782
From:
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 04-09-2013 10:06 AM
This thread might have some useful info; scroll down a bit... |
dfox
Member Posts: 208
From: Scarsdale, NY, United States
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 04-10-2013 10:22 PM
quote:
Originally posted by LateApex:
Congratulations on the purchase. Nice piece.
Thank you very much! quote:
Originally posted by David Carey:
This thread might have some useful info; scroll down a bit...
Thanks. That is very interesting information. |
Joel Katzowitz
Member Posts: 808
From: Marietta GA USA
Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 04-18-2013 06:50 PM
That is a beautiful piece, I was drooling when I saw it in the catalog. I have also done extensive research on Mercury heat shields and am convinced yours is the real deal. Congratulations. |
Lou Chinal
Member Posts: 1306
From: Staten Island, NY
Registered: Jun 2007
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posted 04-20-2013 06:46 AM
Yes, it looks real to me. |
dfox
Member Posts: 208
From: Scarsdale, NY, United States
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 04-20-2013 12:19 PM
Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm for this artifact.I have not come across much in the way of images or technical references pertaining to the Mercury heatshield. If you have links or pointers to sources that you can share I would enjoy reading them. |
Joel Katzowitz
Member Posts: 808
From: Marietta GA USA
Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 04-20-2013 04:37 PM
I'd be happy to share my research with you David. I have technical diagrams illustrating how the heat shield mates with the spacecraft (via the metal stud on your sample). I also have some great images of MA-9 that clearly show the relationship of the heat shield and the impact bag. It'll take me a few days to package it up and then I'll send you a link. If anyone else is interested shoot your email address to me and I'll copy you. |
dfox
Member Posts: 208
From: Scarsdale, NY, United States
Registered: Mar 2010
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posted 04-20-2013 06:29 PM
That would be great! Thanks.I have found that one of the great pleasures associated with collecting is using the acquired (or desired) object as the focal point of new learning. |
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