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  WTB: Space shuttle Columbia flown tile

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Author Topic:   WTB: Space shuttle Columbia flown tile
GrokTheUniverse
Member

Posts: 15
From: Virginia
Registered: Jun 2015

posted 06-25-2015 12:55 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for GrokTheUniverse     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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

posted 06-25-2015 03:24 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for garymilgrom   Click Here to Email garymilgrom     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
There's one on eBay - Item Number 271910792601

GrokTheUniverse
Member

Posts: 15
From: Virginia
Registered: Jun 2015

posted 06-25-2015 04:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for GrokTheUniverse     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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

posted 06-25-2015 05:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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

posted 06-25-2015 06:02 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Joel Katzowitz   Click Here to Email Joel Katzowitz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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

posted 06-25-2015 06:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for GrokTheUniverse     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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

posted 06-25-2015 10:06 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for GrokTheUniverse     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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

posted 06-26-2015 07:46 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Joel Katzowitz   Click Here to Email Joel Katzowitz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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

posted 06-27-2015 10:29 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for GrokTheUniverse     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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

posted 06-28-2015 02:20 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Skythings   Click Here to Email Skythings     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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

posted 06-28-2015 10:28 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for garymilgrom   Click Here to Email garymilgrom     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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.

Tile Flown 400px

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.

tile sip 400

Wider shot of above:

strain guage display 400

Full display. This tile had a strain gauge built into it for testing:

tile display strain gauge 400

garymilgrom
Member

Posts: 1966
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Feb 2007

posted 06-28-2015 10:36 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for garymilgrom   Click Here to Email garymilgrom     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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 here

TPS Cover V2 sml

If you prefer a PDF version please contact me privately. Good luck.

GrokTheUniverse
Member

Posts: 15
From: Virginia
Registered: Jun 2015

posted 06-29-2015 11:35 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for GrokTheUniverse     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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

posted 08-13-2015 11:03 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for GrokTheUniverse     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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

posted 08-14-2015 07:51 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Bob M   Click Here to Email Bob M     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I can get you in touch with someone who may can help - contact me by email.

All times are CT (US)

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