Author
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Topic: WTB: Space shuttle Columbia flown tile
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GrokTheUniverse Member Posts: 15 From: Virginia Registered: Jun 2015
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posted 06-25-2015 12:55 PM
Looking for a complete flown tile from Columbia, not a fragment.Serious inquiry and ready to buy if available and with provenance. Thanks! — William |
garymilgrom Member Posts: 1966 From: Atlanta, GA Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 06-25-2015 03:24 PM
There's one on eBay - Item Number 271910792601 |
GrokTheUniverse Member Posts: 15 From: Virginia Registered: Jun 2015
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posted 06-25-2015 04:42 PM
Thank you for this link.I had actually seen it, but it does not specify that it was flown. Really looking for something specified as flown. The tiles look like they have unique identifiers on them, is it possible to use this to determine if it was flown or not? Anybody know? Thanks! |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42987 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-25-2015 05:09 PM
Short of doing a Freedom of Information Act request (which can take awhile), the answer is no. The most you can discern from the numbers on a tile alone, without consulting NASA, is where it was intended to be installed.That said, there are a few things you can look for to at least rule out tiles that didn't fly. If the back of the tile does not have a felt pad and signs of reddish-brown RTV adhesive, then it likely did not fly. Also, if it doesn't have any chips or damage and looks pristine, that's a potential sign it didn't fly, too. More importantly however, is that you want a clean title to the tile. You should be seeking a tile with its scrap paperwork or its certification from a VIP that it was presented as an award. (The eBay auction can at least can be traced back to an astronaut's collection, flown or not flown.) |
Joel Katzowitz Member Posts: 808 From: Marietta GA USA Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 06-25-2015 06:02 PM
Although I'm not interesting in bidding on the tile, I emailed the seller and asked to see a photo of the back side. As Robert indicated, it may provide you with some evidence one way or the other. |
GrokTheUniverse Member Posts: 15 From: Virginia Registered: Jun 2015
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posted 06-25-2015 06:14 PM
Thanks Robert for the thorough response and Joel for your inquiry. I also asked the eBay seller the same. Doing some research it looks like you are the proud owner of a Columbia tile. Have you been able to discern whether or not is flown or unflown? |
GrokTheUniverse Member Posts: 15 From: Virginia Registered: Jun 2015
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posted 06-25-2015 10:06 PM
So a picture was posted of the back. I completely understand nobody can confirm or deny the flown aspect.But what are the thoughts? Looks too clean? |
Joel Katzowitz Member Posts: 808 From: Marietta GA USA Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 06-26-2015 07:46 AM
Like Robert stated earlier in the thread, a flown tile would have had a felt pad and RTV (reddish-brown adhesive) residue on the back. It certainly doesn't appear this tile was flown. |
GrokTheUniverse Member Posts: 15 From: Virginia Registered: Jun 2015
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posted 06-27-2015 10:29 PM
Thanks so much for all the responses. Does anybody have a picture of a Columbia tile with the reddish brown residue on the back? Just curious what it looks like. Is this an artifact that is not circulated much? |
Skythings Member Posts: 243 From: Registered: Jun 2014
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posted 06-28-2015 02:20 AM
Here are a couple of tiles sections I used to look after. The black tile may not have been flown, but I suspect was attached and removed. The thin white tile section was flown. Both have the red glue residue on the reverse. |
garymilgrom Member Posts: 1966 From: Atlanta, GA Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 06-28-2015 10:28 AM
Here's the back of a flown tile showing the red RTV used to attach the tile to the SIP. It's odd that no SIP fibers are attached to the glue. Also a tag with flown info.Here's a display showing the side of a test tile, the RTV glue, the SIP layer and finally the orbiter aluminum frame. Don't be fooled by the white, uncoated bottom of the tile - the SIP is under the RTV. Note fibers.
Wider shot of above:
Full display. This tile had a strain gauge built into it for testing:
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garymilgrom Member Posts: 1966 From: Atlanta, GA Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 06-28-2015 10:36 AM
Slightly off topic but you may find a book I wrote on the TPS useful. You can find this book for free in the iTunes Bookstore hereIf you prefer a PDF version please contact me privately. Good luck. |
GrokTheUniverse Member Posts: 15 From: Virginia Registered: Jun 2015
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posted 06-29-2015 11:35 PM
Wow. Such amazing responses. And Gary, thank's for the e-book link. Going to study it.So, I must ask, is this pursuit fruitless? Is getting a flown Columbia tile almost like climbing Mt. Everest? Something you want to do but probably won't ever? Any thoughts on the value of a real flown tile? Continue to appreciate any ideas/thoughts. |
GrokTheUniverse Member Posts: 15 From: Virginia Registered: Jun 2015
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posted 08-13-2015 11:03 PM
Still wanting. I suppose all these tiles are in very private collections? Anybody own one? |
Bob M Member Posts: 1745 From: Atlanta-area, GA USA Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 08-14-2015 07:51 AM
I can get you in touch with someone who may can help - contact me by email. |