posted 07-08-2004 02:52 AM            

The tiles in question have obviously been flown due to the plasma burns and impacts on the leading edges. If these tiles are illegal to own what would be the possibility of donating them to an aerospace museum?

posted 07-08-2004 06:36 AM               

The latter concerns a State Department regulation that carbon-carbon material used specifically as heat shield for missiles or rockets (of which the space shuttle classifies) may not be exported outside the U.S. (For more information, see U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Part 121 (The United States Munitions List), Category IV (Launch Vehicles, Guided Missiles, Ballistic Missiles, Rockets, Torpedoes, Bombs and Mines), Sec. 121.16 [Missile Technology Control Regime Annex]).

In regards to the earlier, like all government property, if the transfer of the tiles from public (government) to private hands cannot be documented, then ownership can be called into question. Sufficient documentation might include scrap tags, official presentation certificates and/or bill of sales from government-run auctions.

To my knowledge, NASA ceased selling or gifting their spent shuttle tiles some time ago, citing health concerns related to exposure to the material.

Of course, any such tiles from the debris of STS-51L or STS-107 are restricted from private ownership, as is any recovered component of the two orbiters, as NASA still claims title to both vehicles.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tile Collector:
If these tiles are illegal to own what would be the possibility of donating them to an aerospace museum? Or would it be best to just stay away from the whole mess or drop them into a trashcan?

---

In regards to donating them to a museum, the institutions that I have worked with usually require the donation to be accompanied by a written statement declaring you have the right to make such a donation (i.e. title to the item) but it would be a better solution then tossing them in the trash.

posted 05-03-2009 05:33 PM               

In either case, a paper trail should have been created.

Of course, if you don't have that paperwork (which I would assume is the case, otherwise you wouldn't be asking such questions) then the likelihood of finding those documents now is less than likely.

Tile markings generally denote the location on the orbiter where they are to be (or are) installed. They do not indicate flight history or when they were removed.

There's paperwork that tracks that information, but again, if you don't already have that, I don't know of a method to get it.

posted 01-31-2011 03:21 PM               

The Space Shuttle is captured under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) categories IV and XV, which include all specifically designed or modified systems or subsystems, components, parts, accessories, attachments, and associated equipment for the Space Shuttle. The Shuttle Thermal Protection System, including the tiles, is controlled for export purposes under the ITAR. A license from the Department of State is required to transfer the tiles to a foreign person either inside or outside the United states. Any tiles transferred to a U.S. person shall be accompanied by a notice indicating to the recipient the export control classification, license requirements to transfer the tiles to a foreign person, and requirement to comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations.

posted 01-31-2011 07:27 PM               

Look at all of the Apollo parts and pieces that were taken home by all of the workers when the program was cancelled. There is so much stuff out there without paperwork and from a pragmatic point of view nobody from NASA or the govt cares about it.

posted 02-03-2011 04:52 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kocmoc:
I would recommend that the tiles be stored in a sealed container.

---

posted 02-03-2011 04:55 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Kocmoc:
The one concern that I have for owners is the eventual decay of the structure.

---

I know the white silica material can become airborne if it's touched and obviously the loose fibers could be inhaled or become stuck in someones skin, but are you saying the silica breaks down?

posted 02-03-2011 08:56 PM               

Are Shuttle tiles considered hazardous?

The silica material in Shuttle tiles is not classified as hazardous either by Federal SARA or CERCLA standards. It is not material regulated by the EPA as hazardous waste, nor is it considered hazardous material for transport. However, the silica fiber material is listed in at least the following states’ hazardous substances lists: CA, MA, MN, NJ and PA.

• The silica insulation fiber Material Safety Data Sheet (IC: 1104, Attachment 1), states that the silica fiber diameters vary between 0.3 and 0.8 microns. The World Health Organization and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health classify fibers with diameters of less than 3 microns as respirable (able to be inhaled into the lower lung). The data sheet classifies dust from this product as a mechanical irritant, which means that it may cause temporary irritation or scratchiness of the throat and/or itching of the eyes and skin. The carcinogenicity of amorphous silica fibers is not classifiable as to carcinogenicity in humans. (International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)).

When not disturbed through breakage, division, drilling or other actions that might loosen fibers and make them airborne, the silicon in Shuttle tiles can be handled safely with the proper common protective mask and clothing (gloves and long sleeves). Material from the silica fiber layer should not be ingested. Touching it should be avoided: it may cause minor skin irritations or temporary irritation or redness in the eyes. Until more data is available, it is recommended that the material not be used for live demonstrations that involve placing the material over an flame. Shuttle tiles should be kept encapsulated in plastic wrapping and protected from breakage when transporting.

Regarding the issue of whether the tiles should be available for public sale the document continues:

NASA has reviewed this option and concluded that it is preferable to dispose of the tiles through manners other than sale. Additionally, since there is no way to ensure that safe material handling information would accompany the secondary and follow-on sales that would certainly occur over time, NASA may be exposed to possible litigation if personal injuries result from mishandling or abusing tiles.

posted 02-03-2011 10:04 PM               

NASA has reviewed this option and concluded that it is preferable to dispose of the tiles through manners other than sale.