{"title":"Space Flight Artifacts","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"apollo-11-beta-cloth-patches","title":"Authentic NASA Apollo 11 Mission Insignia Production Print","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis patch was printed in 1969 for the Apollo 11 mission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the tragic Apollo 1 launch pad fire that killed 3 astronauts, NASA decided to work on removing all flammable materials from the spacecraft cabin. A new material was designed for use as the outer layer of space suits made of teflon-coated fiberglass. This cloth was called Beta cloth and is still widely used for space suits and missions to this day. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy Apollo 7 even the embroidered patches, insignias, and name tags were replaced with screen printed Beta cloth patches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese patches were production prints and\/or test runs to align the screen printing layers. If you look closely, you can see some of the colors are misaligned. They were obtained from the company that manufactured the special inks used in this process. These patches would have been stitched onto the astronaut's suits and coveralls as shown in the image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4\" x 4\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVery limited supply—soon depleted.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eComes in a 5\" x 5\" acrylic display\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stemcell Science Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31966765252721,"sku":"AP-0818","price":149.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/nasa-apollo-11-beta-cloth-insignia-production-print-ap-0818-442012.jpg?v=1762526395"},{"product_id":"beta-cloth-swatch","title":"NASA Space Suit Material Swatch","description":"\u003cp\u003eBeta cloth is a fireproof material woven from teflon-coated glass fibers. It was developed by NASA and the Owens Corning Corporation for use as the outer layer of the Apollo space suits and in-flight garments worn by the astronauts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAfter the tragic Apollo 1 fire, NASA minimized the use of any flammable materials in space flight, including space suits. Starting with Apollo 7, even the mission patch, NASA insignia, US flag, and name tag used on each space suit and coverall would also be screen printed on beta cloth rather than embroidered. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis sample was obtained from the company that developed the special inks to print the patches for NASA. It was trimmed from surplus production prints of the Apollo 11 insignia patches from 1969. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSize: 1 x 1\" swatch in 5 x 5\" display\u003cbr\u003eImages: NASA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stemcell Science Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31971939221617,"sku":"BE-0832","price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/nasa-space-suit-material-swatch-be-0832-516994.jpg?v=1762526402"},{"product_id":"satellite-telemetry-data-tape","title":"NASA Explorer 7 Satellite Telemetry Data Section","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis strip of magnetic tape includes a portion of raw telemetry data for the Explorer 7 satellite. This listing is for a section of tape in an acrylic case that was cut from a larger spool recorded in October 1959.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1955, even before any artificial satellites had been launched, planning for a satellite-tracking network was already underway at NASA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo years later, the Minitrack network of 11 stations positioned around the globe was completed just 3 days before the launch of Sputnik 1.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs satellites populated the skies, interferometers recorded their positions and velocities at each of these stations. This section of tape is from the Minitrack station in Johannesburg, South Africa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the early satellites tracked by this network was \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov\/nmc\/spacecraft\/display.action?id=1959-009A\"\u003eExplorer 7\u003c\/a\u003e (aka Iota 59), which was launched in 1959 and collected scientific data about Earth’s atmosphere for 2 years before losing communication. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the most notable data it collected were the first satellite measurements of the heat balance of Earth’s atmosphere, launching NASA’s mission of collecting valuable climate data just a year after the agency was formed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplorer 7 remains in orbit to this day. Track the satellite's current position \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.n2yo.com\/satellite\/?s=22\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis item was featured in a recent \u003ca href=\"www.boxofmatter.com\"\u003eMatter box\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stemcell Science Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39550909022321,"sku":"EX-1551","price":44.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/nasa-explorer-7-satellite-telemetry-data-section-ex-1551-494834.jpg?v=1759439540"},{"product_id":"nasa-surveyor-7-film","title":"NASA Surveyor 7 Assembly Film Section","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 2021, we acquired a mystery film reel. The canister holding the 16mm film had NASA information on it, so we purchased it without knowing what was on it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sent it to multiple digitization companies, but the spool holding the film was unique and most companies didn't have the equipment to work with it. We eventually found a service that could digitize the film, and when we watched it we couldn't believe what we saw.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was original NASA footage shot in 1967 of the Surveyor 7 lunar lander, shot from inside the cleanroom at Kennedy Space Center. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter extensively searching through NASA's archives and not finding this film anywhere, we decided to upload the film online to preserve it for posterity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Surveyor program consisted of 7 spacecraft launched in the 1960’s to practice landing on the moon and evaluate the lunar surface in preparation for the Apollo program. Five of the spacecraft landed safely on the moon, including Surveyor 7.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurveyor 7 landed on the rim of Tycho crater, which is easily visible from Earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNASA has a long history of filming every step of spacecrafts' journeys from assembly to launch. In the case of a mission failure, these films can be reviewed to help identify the source of the failure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNow that it's been preserved, you can own a piece of this lost NASA footage\u003c\/strong\u003e. Includes approximately 12 frames of the film stored in an acrylic display case.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stemcell Science Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39753599123569,"sku":"NA-1726","price":64.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/nasa-surveyor-7-assembly-film-section-na-1726-635214.jpg?v=1762527263"},{"product_id":"spy-satellite-telemetry-tape","title":"Corona Spy Satellite Telemetry Data Section","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe CORONA program was a secret CIA \u0026amp; US Air Force project that launched 144 reconnaissance spacecraft from 1959 to 1972. The dire pursuit of intel during the tense Cold War resulted in this ambitious space program that achieved many spaceflight firsts.   \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhotos had never been taken from space and the entire system, including lenses, mounting, mechanisms, and even the film, had to be specially designed for space. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith every pass over target areas, primarily the USSR and China, onboard cameras would snap a series of panoramic photographs on 70mm film. When passing over tracking stations, the satellite would transmit trajectory, velocity, and system status information which was recorded onto reels of magnetic tape like this. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt the end of each mission, the film capsule detached and re-entered Earth’s atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean. Before it reached the surface, a parachute was deployed and a specially-equipped airplane would catch the gliding capsule in mid-air.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe CORONA program was declassified in 1996 and over 860,000 images made publicly accessible, the largest photographic catalog of Earth’s surface at the time. Researchers have recently used these images to locate ancient sites and study the effects of climate change.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe section of magnetic tape was used by the CIA to track a Corona Program satellite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArtifact length: 3.5\"\u003cbr\u003eFrame dimensions: 5\" x 5\" x 0.75\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stemcell Science Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44109922369821,"sku":"SP-3275","price":44.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/corona-spy-satellite-telemetry-data-section-sp-3275-745648.jpg?v=1762530566"},{"product_id":"space-shuttle-blueprint","title":"NASA Space Shuttle Blueprint Fragment","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis section of paper was a piece of a blueprint used to manufacture a critical component of the Space Shuttle \u003cem\u003eColumbia\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese are not modern reproductions. They were produced in the 1970s for use in the Space Shuttle Orbiter development.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEach display includes a unique, individually-numbered ½ x ½\" fragment, research card, and certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 1972, NASA hired LTV Aerospace to develop the Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS) a method for measuring air pressure distribution around the spacecraft’s nose during reentry. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDue to the extreme heat of reentry, which could reach temperatures as high as 2,700° F (1,480° C), this assembly and the leading edges of the wings were protected by black tiles made of reinforced carbon-carbon material (RCC). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 2003, during \u003cem\u003eColumbia\u003c\/em\u003e’s 28th launch, a piece of foam broke off the external fuel tank and struck the RCC tiles at about 500 mph (800 km\/h), causing damage that ultimately lead to the tragic destruction of the spacecraft during reentry. Less than a year later, the Space Shuttle fleet was scheduled to be retired.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stemcell Science Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44622097088797,"sku":"SP-3299","price":64.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/nasa-space-shuttle-blueprint-fragment-sp-3299-884051.jpg?v=1762532292"},{"product_id":"nasa-rover-fragment","title":"NASA Chariot Rover Prototype Fragment | Verified Authentic Space Artifact","description":"\u003ch4\u003eOwn a Piece of NASA History\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a genuine fragment cut from the prototype NASA \"Chariot\" rover — the Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV) developed for future lunar and planetary surface missions. Each piece is a tangible connection to one of NASA's most ambitious exploration programs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat You're Getting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach fragment measures approximately \u003cstrong\u003e⅜ × ¼ × ¼\"\u003c\/strong\u003e and comes with a \u003cstrong\u003eCertificate of Authenticity\u003c\/strong\u003e and a \u003cstrong\u003edisplay case\u003c\/strong\u003e — ready to showcase from day one. No two pieces are identical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhy This Is Rare\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupply is finite and will never be restocked. These fragments were featured in our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/the-stemcell-science-shop.myshopify.com\/products\/matter\" title=\"Matter Scientific Subscription Box\"\u003eMatter monthly science box\u003c\/a\u003e and only a handful remain. Like many of our past artifacts, once they're gone, they're gone for good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCertificate of Authenticity included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisplay case included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne-of-a-kind piece\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVerified Authentic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Stemcell Science Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837493768477,"sku":"NA-3311","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/nasa-chariot-rover-fragment-na-3311-542267.jpg?v=1762532710"},{"product_id":"pioneer-artifact","title":"NASA Pioneer 10 Mission Data Section","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis has been one of our longest-awaited, and most-anticipated items, but we always make sure the provenance checks out—no matter how long it takes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlock a piece of interstellar history with a genuine section of mission data tape from NASA's iconic Pioneer 10 spacecraft. Launched in 1972, Pioneer 10 became the first human-made object to traverse the asteroid belt and deliver close-up images of Jupiter, paving the way for future deep-space exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePioneer 10 carried the famous Pioneer Plaque, like a message in a bottle, to communicate the spacecraft's origins to any intelligent beings it may encounter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis relic is part of a rare cache of tapes that famously vanished for decades, only to resurface in 2015 under extraordinary circumstances: tucked away in a private apartment, their legacy nearly lost to time. While most of the recovered collection succumbed to mold and decay, a small number of pristine reels miraculously survived.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have consulted with many experts about this item, particularly a veteran in data recovery who specializes in digitizing vintage data formats. He was able to conclude that the tape includes 12 files, at least 6 of which are \u003cspan\u003eraw imagery data from the Pioneer IPP (Imaging PhotoPolarimeter). These may include\u003c\/span\u003e images of other planets or moons, transmitted directly from the spacecraft back to Earth in binary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinally, we bring you this precious data tape segment—an artifact that once helped track humanity's leap toward the outer planets. Each piece is carefully preserved, a testament to the resilience of exploration and the thrill of rediscovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you’re a collector, a space history enthusiast, or someone captivated by the pioneering spirit of human ingenuity, this artifact invites you to connect with the pulse of past missions and envision the endless frontier that awaits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stemcell Science Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45808092971293,"sku":"PI-3455","price":84.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/nasa-pioneer-10-mission-data-section-pi-3455-562463.jpg?v=1733809647"},{"product_id":"skylab-computer-program-artifact","title":"NASA Skylab Computer Program Section","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis section of data tape contains the automated commands for the X-ray spectrographic telescope on Skylab. With this program, NASA ground control was able to guide its operations, data collection, and alignment for solar observation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Skylab\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSkylab, the United States’ first space station, represents a landmark achievement in the history of space exploration and scientific research. Launched by NASA in May 1973, Skylab was a pioneering platform for studying the effects of prolonged spaceflight on humans. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSome of the project’s most significant contributions were in the field of solar physics. Equipped with the Apollo Telescope Mount (ATM), which included the S-054 X-Ray Spectrographic Telescope, Skylab enabled unprecedented observations of the Sun. This telescope was a critical tool for studying the solar corona and solar flares in the X-ray spectrum. The data collected provided invaluable insights into solar physics, particularly in understanding coronal mass ejections and solar energy output, fundamentally advancing our knowledge of stellar phenomena. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis data tape contains the automated commands for the X-ray spectrographic telescope, guiding its operations, data collection, and alignment for solar observation, which could be relayed to the space station’s computers remotely from ground control.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"page\" title=\"Page 2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSkylab’s onboard computer systems were a technological marvel of their time. IBM meticulously designed them to fully automate most of the space station’s functions, including environmental control, scientific experiment management, and data handling. They were integral in processing the vast amount of data collected by the experiments, particularly from the X-ray telescope which captured over 30,000 images. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFollowing three successful missions, Skylab was de-orbited in 1979. NASA had hoped for a controlled descent into the ocean, but increased solar activity and Skylab’s lack of a propulsion system presented a challenge when determining its re-entry trajectory. This led to widespread international attention and contingency planning. Fortunately, when Skylab did re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere, its debris fell primarily in sparsely populated areas of Western Australia, causing no injuries or significant damage. This event highlighted the need for better end- of-life planning for space structures, influencing future international space law and orbital debris management policies. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe scientific importance of Skylab cannot be overstated. It laid the groundwork for long-duration human spaceflight, significantly contributing to the development of the International Space Station. Its observations and experiments have had a lasting impact on space science, particularly in areas like solar physics, space medicine, and Earth observations. The X-ray telescope has been described as “the most successful instrument on Skylab.” This fragment of the Skylab mission represents a major milestone in humanity’s legacy of space exploration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Stemcell Science Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47405934870813,"sku":"SK-3646","price":48.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/nasa-skylab-computer-program-section-sk-3646-597644.png?v=1759459011"},{"product_id":"isis-2-space-experiment-data","title":"ISIS-2 Space Experiment Data Section","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis strip of tape is an authentic piece of experimental data collected by the research satellite ISIS-2. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe magnetic tape section contains a portion of the raw ionospheric data transmitted directly from the satellite to its tracking station in Antarctica (See tracking station antenna and recording equipment images.)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe ISIS (International Satellites for Ionospheric Studies) program consisted of three spacecraft launched in the 1960s and 1970s to study the ionosphere and magnetosphere. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLaunched in 1971, ISIS-2 conducted groundbreaking experiments, including ionospheric sounding, cosmic noise measurement, and auroral scanning. It captured the first images of the Aurora Borealis from above, and its valuable scientific observations have been cited in over 1,200 published scientific papers. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough ISIS-2 ceased operations in 1990 due to power loss, it continues to orbit the Earth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImages: Government of Canada\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stemcell Science Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49082927382813,"sku":"IS-4263","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/isis-2-space-experiment-data-section-is-4263-883786.jpg?v=1733809525"},{"product_id":"space-shuttle-columbia-flown-nose-landing-gear-tire","title":"Space Shuttle Columbia - Flown Nose Landing Gear Tire","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen comes from a mission-flown, Space Shuttle nose landing gear tire which was removed from service after the Space Shuttle Columbia's 13th mission, STS-52. The specimen is encased in an acrylic specimen jar and housed in a 4\" x 3\" x 1\" glass-topped riker box. A small information card is also included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe material is layered (in this case 20-ply) and highly irregular. Our target size is approximately 1x1 cm, but there will be variation in width, length, thickness, and texture. Some specimens may exhibit small metallic bands from the interior of the tire while others may be completely smooth. This makes each specimen absolutely unique.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981178741021,"sku":"80-112-4004-201-36","price":23.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-shuttle-tire-1000.jpg?v=1747250124"},{"product_id":"space-shuttle-challenger-flown-lrsi-tile-fragment","title":"Space Shuttle Challenger - Flown LRSI Tile Fragment","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/challenger-tile-front-ii_1024x1024.png?v=1648473877\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of the Specimen Card featuring NASA image STS07-32-1702. Taken on June 22, 1983, during STS-7.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Space Shuttle \u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChallenger \u003c\/i\u003e(OV-099)\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/i\u003ewas the second of the space shuttles in the program to enter orbit, embarking on its maiden voyage on April 4, 1983. Over the course of its ten missions, the shuttle gathered scientific data, repaired satellites, and brought the first African-American to space, Guion Bluford.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis specimen is a mission-flown tile fragment from the Space Shuttle \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eChallenger\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e. Known as a low-temperature surface insulation tile (LRSI), the tile is comprised of low-density silica. The tiles protected parts of the orbiter exposed to temperatures in excess of 1,200°F and below 0°F.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/CHALLENGER-MAIN-001_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648487637\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAbove: Space Shuttle Challenger LRSI Tile with typical NASA scrap tags.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEach tile was unique, specifically designed to meet the exact shape, weight, and temperature resistance required at its location on the craft. NASA disposition paperwork received with this item indicates this particular tile was removed after the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eChallenger’s\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e sixth mission (STS-41-G) which flew on October 5, 1984.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/CHALLENGER-DETAIL-001_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648487728\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAbove: Closeup of the reverse side of the tile. The red coating is actually a silicone adhesive called RTV 560. This phenyl methyl silicone is filled with iron oxide, hence the red color. It has high heat conductivity and was used as the main TPS adhesive. You can read more about these adhesives and much more in the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ntrs.nasa.gov\/api\/citations\/19950017378\/downloads\/19950017378.pdf\"\u003eNASA Technical Report \"Outgassing Products from Orbiter TPS Materials\"\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIt's not unusual to have tiles replaced as they are designed just for this purpose, but \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/feature\/35-years-ago-sts-41g-a-flight-of-many-firsts\"\u003eSTS-41-G was unusual\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\" data-mce-style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e as \u003c\/span\u003ea significant number of tiles were damaged during the mission. After careful review, NASA engineers discovered that faulty waterproofing used throughout the Thermal Protection System (TPS) allowed debonding of the tiles. To correct the problem, workers removed and replaced over 4,000 tiles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs pictured below, each hand-cut specimen is housed in an acrylic jar and ships in a classic, glass-topped riker display case. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eSpecimens measure roughly, 6mmx5mm though variations in shape will occur as the material is rather difficult to cut. A small information card is also included, which serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/CHALLENGER-DETAIL-002_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648485208\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAbove: Why yes, we do have an original NASA cafeteria tray at MMHQ. What else would we use for special luncheons?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Handling Notice:\u003c\/strong\u003e We have not stabilized this material. So while the silica is not toxic, it \u003cem\u003ewill\u003c\/em\u003e powder under pressure. \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eIf you choose to handle the specimen, please do so with extreme care. We also recommend using gloves as the silica will coat your fingers and can be irritating.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore about Space Shuttle Program and Challenger (OV-099)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\"What are we doing here? We're reaching for the stars.\" ~ Christa McAuliffe (1948-1986) (Source: TIME Magazine February 10, 1986)\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/Space_Shuttle_Challenger__04-04-1983_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648488619\" alt=\"\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/Space_Shuttle_Challenger__04-04-1983_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648488619\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbove: The first launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger (STS-6,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eApril 4, 1983\u003c\/span\u003e). (Source Department of Defense image DF-SC-84-01865)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAfter the close of the Apollo program, NASA turned its focus from lunar landings to research and observation. The vessel for this new focus would be the Space Shuttle, a multi-use vehicle designed to carry astronauts and scientific equipment to and from Earth's orbit. Due to their reusable design, the orbiters were amazing tools for furthering our scientific understanding of the stars. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNASA's Space Shuttle program delivered 133 successful missions during its three decades in operation, beginning with \u003ci\u003eColumbia's\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003einaugural mission in 1981 and concluding with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAtlantis' \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003efinal mission\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ein 2011. Missions involved many vital tasks, such as maintaining the International Space Station, repairing the Hubble Space Telescope, and deploying satellites. Scientific experiments featured heavily in the rotation, using the reusable Spacelab developed by the ESA.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/EC82-21135-16x9_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648489691\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Challenger hitches a ride on NASA's Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), NASA 905. The ferry flight took the orbiter to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for its first launch. (NASA Image EC82-21135 July 4, 1982)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs noted above, the Space Shuttle \u003cem\u003eChallenger\u003c\/em\u003e was the second of the space shuttles in the program to enter orbit, embarking on its maiden voyage on April 4, 1983. Over the course of its ten missions, the shuttle gathered scientific data, repaired satellites, and brought the first African-American to space, Guion Bluford. However, despite Challenger’s many achievements, it is remembered in history for its tragic final flight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/sts_51l_crew_photo_s85-44253_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648489429\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/sts_51l_crew_photo_s85-44253_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648489429\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: STS-51L crew members Michael J. Smith, front row left, Francis R. \"Dick\" Scobee, Ronald E. McNair; Ellison S. Onizuka, back row left, S. Christa McAuliffe, Gregory B. Jarvis, and Judith A. Resnik. (NASA Image S85-44253 November, 1985)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn January 28, 1986, Challenger began its final flight (STS-51L), disintegrating 73 seconds after takeoff. The explosion was caused by the failure of O-ring seals in the shuttle’s rocket booster, which allowed pressurized gas to burn through to the booster’s fuel tank. This horrific event ended with the deaths of all onboard crew members, which led to a brief suspension of shuttle flights and an overhaul of both the program itself and NASA’s organizational structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2021, John Uri of the NASA Johnson Space Center posted this touching retrospective of the crew from STS-51L on the 35th anniversary of the disaster. We invite you to read more here: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/feature\/35-years-ago-remembering-challenger-and-her-crew\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/feature\/35-years-ago-remembering-challenger-and-her-crew\"\u003e\"35 Years Ago: Remembering Challenger and Her Crew\".\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFurther Reading\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMcDonald, Allan J., and James R. Hansen. Truth, Lies, and O-rings: inside the space shuttle challenger disaster. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2009.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVaughan, Diane. The Challenger launch decision: Risky technology, culture, and deviance at NASA. University of Chicago Press, 1996.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eLamoreux, James C., James D. Siekierski, and JP Nick Carter. \"Space Shuttle thermal protection system inspection by 3D imaging laser radar.\" Laser Radar Technology and Applications IX. Vol. 5412. SPIE, 2004.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePITTS, W., and D. KOURTIDES. \"Ceramic insulation\/multifoil composite for thermal protection of reentry spacecraft.\" 24th Thermophysics Conference. 1989.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eLinton, Roger C., Ann F. Whitaker, and Miria M. Finckenor. \"Space environment durability of beta cloth in LDEF thermal blankets.\" LDEF Materials Results for Spacecraft Applications (1993).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHarris, Richard, Michael Stewart, and William Koenig. \"Thermal Protection Systems Technology Transfer from Apollo and Space Shuttle to the Orion Program.\" 2018 AIAA SPACE and Astronautics Forum and Exposition. 2018.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenkins, Dennis R. Space shuttle: the history of the National Space Transportation System: the first 100 missions. DR Jenkins, 2001.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenkins, Dennis R. Space Shuttle: Developing an Icon: 1972-2013. Specialty Press, 2016.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/challenger-tile-back_1024x1024.png?v=1648473904\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Back of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981178970397,"sku":"80-112-0221-201-40","price":71.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-shutte-challenger-01-1000.jpg?v=1747250128"},{"product_id":"cape-canaveral-launch-complex-34-firebrick-limited-supply","title":"Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 34 Firebrick - Limited Supply","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe first step on humanity’s grand journey across the stars sits on a small sliver of land off the coast of Florida. Here on Cape Canaveral, the first Saturn rocket launches blasted off from NASA's Launch Complex 34, paving the way for Apollo 11's mission to the Moon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a piece of firebrick panel used at Launch Complex 34. The material was used to withstand the incredible energy generated from the Saturn rockets during takeoff. \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eMaterial on this item is extremely limited.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen ships in a handsome, glass-topped display case. An informational photo card and a larger specimen card, which serves as a certificate of authenticity, are also included.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981179265309,"sku":"80-112-0390-201-40","price":79.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/LC-34-Fire-Brick-MAIN-002-3.jpg?v=1747250129"},{"product_id":"amelia-earhart-vega-5b-red-fabric-limited-supply","title":"Amelia Earhart Vega 5B Red Fabric - Limited Supply","description":"\u003cp\u003eAmelia Earhart was a promising young pilot in 1932, but it was her solo transatlantic flight that brought her from a rising star to a figure of legend. Earhart was the first woman and only second pilot ever to cross the Atlantic alone, following Charles Lindbergh five years before. After a dangerous crossing filled with storms, instrument trouble, and an engine fire, Earhart touched down near Derry, Northern Ireland, instantly becoming an aviation legend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a piece of fabric material from Earhart's \"Little Red Bus,\" the Vega 5B that she used to cross the Atlantic. With her landing in Derry, Earhart became the second person and first woman to cross the ocean flying solo.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981179199773,"sku":"80-112-0297-201-40","price":159.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/Earhart-MAIN-009.jpg?v=1747250129"},{"product_id":"space-shuttle-columbia-flown-hrsi-tile-fragment","title":"Space Shuttle Columbia - Flown HRSI Tile Fragment","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/shuttle-tile-front-sts-1-columbia_704ccdc4-fb91-4764-86fe-ccdfadee61d9_1024x1024.png?v=1646041801\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis specimen is a fragment of the black, reaction cured glass coating of the HRSI Space Shuttle Tile which appears in the Fourth Edition of the Mini Museum.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNASA disposition paperwork accompanying the tile indicates it was removed after the Space Shuttle Columbia’s 7th mission, STS-61-C, which flew on January 12, 1986.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs pictured, the item is roughly the size of a standard Mini Museum specimen (4-5mm). The glass coating is very thin, so for protection, this item will be enclosed in an acrylic specimen jar. The jar is housed in a glass-topped riker display box measuring 4x3x1 (inches). A small information card will accompany the specimen, which also serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981179003165,"sku":"80-112-4003-201-36","price":71.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-shuttle-tile-1000.jpg?v=1747250128"},{"product_id":"apollo-11-command-module-foil","title":"Apollo 11 Command Module Foil","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is an actual, mission-flown fragment of kapton foil from the Apollo 11 Command Module \u003cem\u003eColumbia\u003c\/em\u003e. This material helped protect Apollo astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins on their journey from Earth to the Moon and back. Salvaged after splashdown, this is a unique collectible from one of the greatest achievements in human history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen was recovered at the Johnson Space Center when the Columbia was decommissioned. It comes from the personal collection of retired NASA Production Control Engineer William R. Whipkey, who oversaw the decommissioning process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kapton foil is enclosed in an acrylic cube with a magnified lid and includes a glass-topped display case, information card, and certificate of authenticity. The information card showcases images from the Apollo 11 mission, details about the journey, and a die-cut square that matches the size of the acrylic cube. Kapton foil is an aluminized polyimide film used for radiation reflection, and the specimen measures approximately 1mm x 1mm. The outermost layers of Columbia were installed with the aluminized side facing outwards to provide optimal reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis display is surprisingly affordable compared to similar items on the market, making it an excellent choice for collectors and space enthusiasts who want to own or share a piece of history at a great price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs noted, the specimen measures approximately 1mm x 1mm and is enclosed in an acrylic cube with a magnified lid for easy viewing. The acrylic cube is housed inside a padded, glass-topped riker box display case measuring 5 1\/2\" x 6 1\/2\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe display includes an information card with a centerline die-cut square matching the dimensions of the acrylic cube. The card has four unique faces, including images from Apollo 11, details about the mission, and a certificate of authenticity. The die-cut design allows you to showcase the specimen inside the display case with any one of four different designs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Small (1mm x 1mm)","offer_id":49981179068701,"sku":"80-112-4002-201-33","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium (2mm x 2mm)","offer_id":49981179101469,"sku":"80-112-0405-201-40","price":276.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/1mm-apollo-11-whipkey-01-front_dde1c6a1-35f1-4792-9829-0a73f9174e12.jpg?v=1747250129"},{"product_id":"space-shuttle-endeavour-flown-thermal-blanket","title":"Space Shuttle Endeavour - Flown Thermal Blanket","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/endeavor-01-space-shuttle-front-01_1024x1024.png?v=1648473802\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Space Shuttle \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003eOV-105) \u003ci\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ewas the final of the orbiters to be built, replacing the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eChallenger \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eshuttle. Named for Captain James Cook’s HMS \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, the shuttle’s career included the first repair mission for the Hubble Space Telescope and the addition of the Unity Module to the ISS, the first American addition to the space station. The \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ealso flew Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis specimen is a piece of insulation blanket that was part of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour’s\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Thermal Control System. \u003c\/span\u003eThe TCS helped the ship withstand the extreme increase in temperatures during atmospheric reentry and the TCS blanket was applied to the inside of the shuttle to protect internal components and systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoftgoods such as the blanket were a simple and efficient way to provide lightweight insulation to delicate items.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNASA disposition paperwork received with this item indicates this particular blanket was removed after STS-99 which flew on 02\/11\/2000, which was this shuttle’s last solo mission.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs pictured below, each hand-cut specimen is housed in an acrylic jar and ships in a classic, glass-topped riker display case. The specimens measure roughly 1x1cm though variations may occur. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA small information card is also included, which serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/ENDEAVOUR-DETAIL-003_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648485176\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Handling Notice:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt's very\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eimportant to note that \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethis was a multi-layer insulation blanket so we've elected to provide \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003emultiple layers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with each specimen. All specimens will have a layer of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ealuminized Kapton foil and a layer of fibrous bulk \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ematerial. It's also possible that there may be a fragment of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDacron net separator, but we've tried to remove that as it is quite brittle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eIn any case, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eif you choose to open the specimen jar, take great care. The Kapton is very light and slightly brittle with age and use. It may fly away or even break into smaller pieces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore about Space Shuttle Program and Endeavour (OV-105)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAfter the close of the Apollo program, NASA turned its focus from lunar landings to research and observation. The vessel for this new focus would be the Space Shuttle, a multi-use vehicle designed to carry astronauts and scientific equipment to and from Earth's orbit. Due to their reusable design, the orbiters were amazing tools for furthering our scientific understanding of the stars. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNASA's Space Shuttle program delivered 133 successful missions during its three decades in operation, beginning with \u003ci\u003eColumbia's\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003einaugural mission in 1981 and concluding with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAtlantis' \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ein 2011. Missions involved many vital tasks, such as maintaining the International Space Station, repairing the Hubble Space Telescope, and deploying satellites. Scientific experiments featured heavily in the rotation, using the reusable Spacelab developed by the ESA. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs noted above, the Space Shuttle \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ewas the final of the orbiters to be built, replacing the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eChallenger \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eshuttle. As a cost-saving measure, much of the shuttle was built from leftover parts from the other orbiters. Named for Captain James Cook’s HMS \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, the shuttle’s career included the first repair mission for the Hubble Space Telescope and the addition of the Unity Module to the ISS, the first American addition to the space station. The \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ealso flew Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOver its active years, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eorbited Earth 4,671 times, traveling approximately 120 million miles. The shuttle weighed about 156 thousand pounds, boasting a wingspan of about 80 feet and a length of about 120 feet. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eEndeavour \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ecan now be seen at the California Science Center, where it is open for display to the public.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFurther Reading\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLamoreux, James C., James D. Siekierski, and JP Nick Carter. \"Space Shuttle thermal protection system inspection by 3D imaging laser radar.\" Laser Radar Technology and Applications IX. Vol. 5412. SPIE, 2004.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePITTS, W., and D. KOURTIDES. \"Ceramic insulation\/multifoil composite for thermal protection of reentry spacecraft.\" 24th Thermophysics Conference. 1989.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eLinton, Roger C., Ann F. Whitaker, and Miria M. Finckenor. \"Space environment durability of beta cloth in LDEF thermal blankets.\" LDEF Materials Results for Spacecraft Applications (1993).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHarris, Richard, Michael Stewart, and William Koenig. \"Thermal Protection Systems Technology Transfer from Apollo and Space Shuttle to the Orion Program.\" 2018 AIAA SPACE and Astronautics Forum and Exposition. 2018.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenkins, Dennis R. Space shuttle: the history of the National Space Transportation System: the first 100 missions. DR Jenkins, 2001.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenkins, Dennis R. Space Shuttle: Developing an Icon: 1972-2013. Specialty Press, 2016.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/endeavour-space-shuttle-back_1024x1024.png?v=1648475017\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Back of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981179035933,"sku":"80-112-0220-201-40","price":39.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-shutte-endeavour-01-1000.jpg?v=1747250128"},{"product_id":"apollo-14-moon-tree","title":"Apollo 14 Moon Tree","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst introduced in the Second Edition of the Mini Museum, we are excited to offer this rare item as a single specimen!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/apollo-14-moon-tree-front_1024x1024.png?v=1646744548\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOn January 31, 1971, Apollo 14 carried three astronauts to the moon along with hundreds of tree seeds. Upon return, the U.S. forest service successfully germinated a small number of seeds and dispersed the saplings during the bicentennial celebrations of 1975 and 1976.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/moon-tree-context-lander-001_1024x1024.jpg?v=1646747949\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAbove: Moon Tree specimen at home with a Lego Lunar Lander. (Source: Mini Museum)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis specimen comes from a surviving moon tree: a Sycamore living on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. In 2014, The tree was damaged in a storm and a fallen limb was preserved by Senior Research Specialist and White House Champion for Change, Dolores Hill.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/MM_0024_26-MOON-TREE_jpg_1024x1024.jpg?v=1646747501\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAbove: Close-up of the Moon Tree branch cross-section. (Source: Mini Museum)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs pictured below, each hand-cut specimen is housed in an acrylic jar and ships in a classic, glass-topped riker display case measuring 4 1\/2\" x 3 1\/2\". Individual specimens are all roughly 1x1 cm. A small information card is also included, which serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/moon-tree-context-relics-001_1024x1024.jpg?v=1646747870\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: An example Moon Tree specimen with an information card sitting on top of a cross-cut branch section.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981179232541,"sku":"80-112-0216-201-40","price":23.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-apollo-14-moon-tree-1000.jpg?v=1747250129"},{"product_id":"space-shuttle-discovery-flown-payload-bay-liner","title":"Space Shuttle Discovery - Flown Payload Bay Liner","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/discovery-03-space-shuttle-front-03_1024x1024.png?v=1648473702\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWith a career that spanned nearly three decades from 1984 to 2011, the Space Shuttle \u003cem\u003eDiscovery\u003c\/em\u003e (OV-103) accrued more space flights than any other craft in the program. Discovery orbited the Earth 5,830 times, traveling approximately 150 million miles.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a fragment from a mission-flown payload liner of the \u003cem\u003eDiscovery\u003c\/em\u003e. Made of fire-resistant beta cloth, this material covered insulation and kept the payload area clean and pristine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNASA disposition paperwork received with this item indicates this particular piece of the payload liner was removed after Discovery’s mission to deploy numerous science instruments (STS-85), which flew on August 7, 1997.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs pictured below, each hand-cut specimen is housed in an acrylic jar and ships in a classic, glass-topped riker display case. Specimens measure roughly 1x1cm in size though variations may occur. As pictured, some specimens will have black seams while others will be completely white. A small information card is also included, which serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/DISCOVERY-DETAIL-001_1024x1024.jpg?v=1648485133\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore about Space Shuttle Program and Discovery (OV-103)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAfter the close of the Apollo program, NASA turned its focus from lunar landings to research and observation. The vessel for this new focus would be the Space Shuttle, a multi-use vehicle designed to carry astronauts and scientific equipment to and from Earth's orbit. Due to their reusable design, the orbiters were amazing tools for furthering our scientific understanding of the stars. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNASA's Space Shuttle program delivered 133 successful missions during its three decades in operation, beginning with \u003ci\u003eColumbia's\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003einaugural mission in 1981 and concluding with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAtlantis' \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ein 2011. Missions involved many vital tasks, such as maintaining the International Space Station, repairing the Hubble Space Telescope, and deploying satellites. Scientific experiments featured heavily in the rotation, using the reusable Spacelab developed by the ESA. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs noted above, \u003cem\u003eDiscovery\u003c\/em\u003e had a long career spanning nearly three decades from 1984 to 2011. During this time, the orbiter \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eaccrued more space flights than any other craft in the program. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDiscovery \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eorbited the Earth 5,830 times, traveling approximately 150 million miles. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe shuttle weighed about 170 thousand pounds, boasting a wingspan of about 80 feet and a length of about 120 feet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmong its many missions, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDiscovery \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ecarried the Hubble Telescope into orbit (STS-31) and took on the hundredth shuttle mission (STS-92). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eToday, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDiscovery\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e can be found at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Fairfax County, Virginia. Coincidentally, this is very close to Mini Museum HQ so the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDiscovery\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e holds a special place in our hearts!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFurther Reading\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMullane, Mike. Riding rockets: the outrageous tales of a space shuttle astronaut. Simon and Schuster, 2007.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLamoreux, James C., James D. Siekierski, and JP Nick Carter. \"Space Shuttle thermal protection system inspection by 3D imaging laser radar.\" Laser Radar Technology and Applications IX. Vol. 5412. SPIE, 2004.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePITTS, W., and D. KOURTIDES. \"Ceramic insulation\/multifoil composite for thermal protection of reentry spacecraft.\" 24th Thermophysics Conference. 1989.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eLinton, Roger C., Ann F. Whitaker, and Miria M. Finckenor. \"Space environment durability of beta cloth in LDEF thermal blankets.\" LDEF Materials Results for Spacecraft Applications (1993).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHarris, Richard, Michael Stewart, and William Koenig. \"Thermal Protection Systems Technology Transfer from Apollo and Space Shuttle to the Orion Program.\" 2018 AIAA SPACE and Astronautics Forum and Exposition. 2018.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenkins, Dennis R. Space shuttle: the history of the National Space Transportation System: the first 100 missions. DR Jenkins, 2001.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenkins, Dennis R. Space Shuttle: Developing an Icon: 1972-2013. Specialty Press, 2016.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/discovery-space-shuttle-back_1024x1024.png?v=1648473724\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Back of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981179134237,"sku":"80-112-0219-201-40","price":39.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-shutte-discovery-02-1000.jpg?v=1747250128"},{"product_id":"apollo-13-command-module-foil","title":"Apollo 13 Command Module Foil","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Apollo 13 Command Module Foil Specimen\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a fragment of mission-flown kapton foil which provided thermal protection for the astronauts aboard the Apollo 13 Command Module.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/apollo-13-cube-in-hand-01_grande.jpg?v=1566566484\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen \u003cstrong\u003emeasures approximately 1mm x 1mm\u003c\/strong\u003e and is enclosed in an acrylic cube with a magnified lid for easy viewing. The acrylic cube is housed inside a padded, glass-topped riker box display case measuring 5 1\/2\" x 6 1\/2\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/apollo-13-hero-1000-01_grande.jpg?v=1566568707\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn \u003cstrong\u003einformation card\u003c\/strong\u003e is included with \u003cstrong\u003eimages from Apollo 13\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003edetails about the mission\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003ea certificate of authenticity\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/apollo-13-product-images-13_grande.jpg?v=1566493602\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe card also features a centerline die-cut square matching the dimensions of the acrylic cube.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/apollo-13-product-images-14_grande.jpg?v=1566493575\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis allows you to showcase the specimen inside the display case with any one of four different designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/front-coa-1x2_1024x1024.jpg?v=1566566639\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note: The magnified lid is secured to the acrylic cube with special tape, but the specimen inside is directly accessible.\u003c\/strong\u003e If you choose to remove the lid to examine the specimen, please use extreme caution. \u003cem\u003eThis cannot be stressed enough. \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" data-mce-style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eKapton foil is very light and can easily escape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e In addition, due to the delicate nature of the material, fragments can vary in shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSource:\u003c\/strong\u003e Acquired at auction, this material comes from the personal collection of retired NASA Production Control Engineer William R. Whipkey. Among space collectors, Whipkey is considered the most reliable source for kapton foil because he oversaw the decommissioning of the Command Modules from multiple missions. He was also responsible for making most of the commemorative displays for astronauts, VIPs, and others who worked on the Apollo Program.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Small (1mm x 1mm)","offer_id":49981179330845,"sku":"80-112-0011-201-36","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium (2mm x 2mm)","offer_id":49981179363613,"sku":"80-112-0406-201-40","price":276.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/2mm-apollo-13-whipkey-01-front.jpg?v=1747250129"},{"product_id":"space-shuttle-atlantis-flown-thermal-blanket","title":"Space Shuttle Atlantis - Flown Thermal Blanket","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/atlantis-space-shuttle-front-02_1024x1024.png?v=1648471716\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Front of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Space Shuttle \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAtlantis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e(OV-104)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ewas the fourth of the five space shuttles used in space operations. It was also the final shuttle to be flown. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDuring Atlantis' tenure, the craft was instrumental in sending planetary probes to Venus and Jupiter and adding modules to the ISS.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis specimen is a piece of a mission-flown insulation blanket, which was part of Atlantis' Thermal Control System. The TCS helped the ship withstand the extreme increase in temperatures during atmospheric reentry and the TCS blanket was applied to the inside of the shuttle to protect internal components and systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoftgoods such as the blanket were a simple and efficient way to provide lightweight insulation to delicate items. \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNASA disposition paperwork received with this item indicates this \u003c\/span\u003eparticular blanket was removed after Atlantis' mission to MIR (STS-86) which flew on September 26, 1997.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs pictured below, each hand-cut specimen is housed in an acrylic jar and ships in a classic, glass-topped riker display case. The specimens measure roughly 1x1cm though variations may occur. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA small information card is also included, which serves as the certificate of authenticity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Handling Notice:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt's very\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eimportant to note that\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e this was a multi-layer insulation blanket so we've elected to provide \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003emultiple layers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e with each specimen. All specimens will have a layer of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ealuminized Kapton foil and a layer of fibrous bulk \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ematerial. It's also possible that there may be a fragment of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDacron net separator, but we've tried to remove that as it is quite brittle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eIn any case, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eif you choose to open the specimen jar, take great care. The Kapton is very light and slightly brittle with age and use. It may fly away or even break into smaller pieces.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 17\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore about Space Shuttle Program and Atlantis (OV-104)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAfter the close of the Apollo program, NASA turned its focus from lunar landings to research and observation. The vessel for this new focus would be the Space Shuttle, a multi-use vehicle designed to carry astronauts and scientific equipment to and from Earth's orbit. Due to their reusable design, the orbiters were amazing tools for furthering our scientific understanding of the stars. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNASA's Space Shuttle program delivered 133 successful missions during its three decades in operation, beginning with Columbia's\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003einaugural launch in 1981 and concluding with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAtlantis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e' \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003efinal flight\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ein 2011. Missions involved many vital tasks, such as maintaining the International Space Station, repairing the Hubble Space Telescope, and deploying satellites. Scientific experiments featured heavily in the rotation, using the reusable Spacelab developed by the ESA.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs noted above, the Space Shuttle\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAtlantis\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003ewas the fourth of the five space shuttles used in space operations. It was also the final shuttle to be flown. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAtlantis orbited Earth 4,848 times, traveling approximately 126 million miles, and carried 156 different passengers over its time in service. During Atlantis' tenure, the craft was instrumental in sending planetary probes to Venus and Jupiter and adding modules to the ISS.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAtlantis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eweighed about 150,000 pounds (68,000 kg), boasting a wingspan of about 80 feet and a length of about 120 feet. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWhile in space,\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Atlantis \u003c\/i\u003eorbited Earth 4,848 times, traveling approximately 126 million miles, carrying 156 different passengers. Today, you can find the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAtlantis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eat the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Merritt Island, Florida, where it's on public display.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFurther Reading\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMullane, Mike. Riding rockets: the outrageous tales of a space shuttle astronaut. Simon and Schuster, 2007.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLamoreux, James C., James D. Siekierski, and JP Nick Carter. \"Space Shuttle thermal protection system inspection by 3D imaging laser radar.\" Laser Radar Technology and Applications IX. Vol. 5412. SPIE, 2004.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePITTS, W., and D. KOURTIDES. \"Ceramic insulation\/multifoil composite for thermal protection of reentry spacecraft.\" 24th Thermophysics Conference. 1989.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eLinton, Roger C., Ann F. Whitaker, and Miria M. Finckenor. \"Space environment durability of beta cloth in LDEF thermal blankets.\" LDEF Materials Results for Spacecraft Applications (1993).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHarris, Richard, Michael Stewart, and William Koenig. \"Thermal Protection Systems Technology Transfer from Apollo and Space Shuttle to the Orion Program.\" 2018 AIAA SPACE and Astronautics Forum and Exposition. 2018.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenkins, Dennis R. Space shuttle: the history of the National Space Transportation System: the first 100 missions. DR Jenkins, 2001.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenkins, Dennis R. Space Shuttle: Developing an Icon: 1972-2013. Specialty Press, 2016.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/atlantis-space-shuttle-back_1024x1024.png?v=1648471605\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAbove: Back of the Specimen Card\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49981179167005,"sku":"80-112-0218-201-40","price":39.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/add-on-small-riker-atlantis-2025-v2.jpg?v=1762206609"},{"product_id":"mini-museum-fifth-edition-small-12-specimens","title":"Mini Museum - Fifth Edition (SMALL - 12 Specimens)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Fifth Edition Collection (MM5) begins with the stellar heart of our solar system. The core of a primitive celestial body formed in the cataclysmic heat and violent aftermath of the sun’s ignition. We'll journey from this exuberant beginning more than 4.6 billion years ago to visit with our closest neighbors in the cosmos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTurning to Earth, we enter a world bathed in fire. Billions of years pass before the first stirrings of life, and then suddenly, it is everywhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will explore it all... from armored fish in the ocean's depths to the conquest of land, and scrambling creatures covering the surface of our planet. We'll see the largest creatures ever to roam the earth as well as those who evolved to prey upon their majestic forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e12-Specimen version\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003econtains a carefully selected group of items designed to highlight key items within the massive Fifth Edition collection. We are excited to continue the journey together, sharing the love of science and history with the world!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Mini Museum is a \u003cstrong\u003ehandmade product\u003c\/strong\u003e and the production process lends itself to small variations.  \u003cstrong\u003eAll Mini Museums are sold \"as-is\"\u003c\/strong\u003e and by purchasing a Mini Museum, you acknowledge that such variations can occur. Such variations highlight the artisanal nature of the project, as each Mini Museum is made by hand and absolutely unique.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mini Museum is a portable collection of curiosities where \u003cb\u003eevery item is authentic\u003c\/b\u003e, iconic and labeled. It's been carefully designed to take you on a journey of learning and exploration. Each Mini Museum is a \u003cb\u003ehandcrafted, limited edition\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fifth Edition SMALL includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed Printed Companion Guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCustom Microfiber Pouch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisplay and Storage Box with Magnetic Clasp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCertificate of Authenticity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eEach Mini Museum is handcrafted and carefully encased in acrylic and ready to inspire you. Display it on your desktop, mantle, or coffee table. Or carry it in your pocket - Mini Museum can go wherever you go. It also \u003cb\u003emakes a beautiful gift\u003c\/b\u003e for the person that has everything. (We all know some of those people. Not one of them has anything like this!)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669942997277,"sku":"40-707-9061-315-40","price":149.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/mm5-prototype-small-angled-02-1500px.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"mini-museum-fifth-edition-large-34-specimens","title":"Mini Museum - Fifth Edition (LARGE - 34 Specimens)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Fifth Edition Collection (MM5) begins with the stellar heart of our solar system. The core of a primitive celestial body formed in the cataclysmic heat and violent aftermath of the sun’s ignition. We'll journey from this exuberant beginning more than 4.6 billion years ago to visit with our closest neighbors in the cosmos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStellar Heart (Muonionalusta Meteorite), Martian Dust Storm (Shergottite, NWA 7397), Starry Night (Lunar Meteorite, NWA 13951), Magma Ocean (Isua Greenstone), Cauldron of Life (Deep Sea Hydrothermal Vents), Rough Ruby (Mozambique), Conquest of Land (First Land Plants), Dunkleosteus (Armored Fish, Permian Bone, Coelacanth (\"The Living Fossil\"), Carcharodontosaurus (Tooth), Oviraptor (Bone), Daspletosaurus (Bone), Alamosaurus (Bone), Woolly Rhinoceros (Bone), Glyptodon (Scute), Darwin Glass (Tektite), Dawn of Creativity (Red Ochre), Early Modern Humans (Stone Tool Core), Lost Civilization (Luristan Bronze Sword), Roman Siege Engines (Ballista Shot), Ottoman Empire (Kemha Silk), Monticello (Home of Thomas Jefferson), Old Ironsides (USS Constitution), Amelia Earhart (Vega 5B, First Solo Transatlantic Crossing), (Stainless Steel Mullions), Cold War Espionage (Soviet Spy Camera), Walt Disney (Disneyland, Main Street Apartment), Queen of the Skies (Boeing 747), Woodstock (The Original 1969 Stage), Nuclear Arms Race (Trident 1 C4 Missile), Sony Walkman, Mount Everest (Climbing Rope), Gateway to the Stars (Launch Complex 39A, Kennedy Space Center)Quite a list, right?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTurning to Earth, we enter a world bathed in fire. Billions of years pass before the first stirrings of life, and then suddenly, it is everywhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will explore it all... from armored fish in the ocean's depths to the conquest of land, and scrambling creatures covering the surface of our planet. We'll see the largest creatures ever to roam the earth as well as those who evolved to prey upon their majestic forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e34-Specimen LARGE version\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e will only be available for a short time. It is an overrun from our highly successful crowdfunding campaign and contains several exclusive specimens. Once the overruns are gone, it will be replaced by a 29-Specimen version. \u003c\/span\u003eWe are excited to continue the journey together, sharing the love of science and history with the world!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Mini Museum is a \u003cstrong\u003ehandmade product\u003c\/strong\u003e and the production process lends itself to small variations.  \u003cstrong\u003eAll Mini Museums are sold \"as-is\"\u003c\/strong\u003e and by purchasing a Mini Museum, you acknowledge that such variations can occur. Such variations highlight the artisanal nature of the project, as each Mini Museum is made by hand and absolutely unique.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mini Museum is a portable collection of curiosities where \u003cb\u003eevery item is authentic\u003c\/b\u003e, iconic and labeled. It's been carefully designed to take you on a journey of learning and exploration. Each Mini Museum is a \u003cb\u003ehandcrafted, limited edition\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fifth Edition LARGE includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed Printed Companion Guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCustom Microfiber Pouch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisplay and Storage Box with Magnetic Clasp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCertificate of Authenticity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eEach Mini Museum is handcrafted and carefully encased in acrylic and ready to inspire you. Display it on your desktop, mantle, or coffee table. Or carry it in your pocket - Mini Museum can go wherever you go. It also \u003cb\u003emakes a beautiful gift\u003c\/b\u003e for the person that has everything. (We all know some of those people. Not one of them has anything like this!)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669943357725,"sku":"40-707-9061-315-42","price":399.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/mm5-prototype-large-angled-01a_1a9e4fd3-cde3-4363-b498-ed7b5321c23d.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"apollo-8-expansion-joint-material-limited-quantity","title":"Apollo 8 Expansion Joint Material - Limited Quantity","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is an actual, mission-flown fragment of expansion joint material from the Apollo 8 Command Module thermal protection system. This material kept Apollo astronauts Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders safe on their journey from Earth to orbit around the Moon and back. Salvaged after splashdown, this is a unique collectible from an incredible mission that paved the way for the first mission to set foot on the lunar surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLimited Supply!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis specimen comes from the personal collection of post-flight test conductor Jerald B. Wilken, who worked on the inspection and testing of the Apollo 8 Command Module 103 at the North American Rockwell Facility in Downey, California. It was purchased at public auction several years ago and is now officially part of the Mini Museum collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe red expansion joint specimen is enclosed in an acrylic cube with a magnified lid and includes a glass-topped display case, information card, and certificate of authenticity. The information card showcases images from the Apollo 8 mission, details about the journey, and a die-cut square that matches the size of the acrylic cube. The material was part of Apollo 8's thermal protection system, which was crucial to surviving the intense heat of atmospheric reentry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to the age and elastic nature of this material, specimens will vary in shape and size. The approximate surface area measures 1-2mm x 2-5mm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven by our standards, material from Apollo 8 is extremely rare. So, we do not expect the Apollo 8 specimen to stay available for long, though we are committed to making it accessible to as many people as possible. Our goal, as always, is to make it an affordable collector's item compared to similar memorabilia on the market. This is an excellent choice for space enthusiasts who want to own or share a piece of history at a great price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen is enclosed in an acrylic cube with a magnified lid for easy viewing. The acrylic cube is housed inside a padded, glass-topped riker box display case measuring 5 1\/2\" x 6 1\/2\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe display includes an information card with a centerline die-cut square matching the dimensions of the acrylic cube. The card has four unique faces, including images from Apollo 8, details about the mission, and a certificate of authenticity. The die-cut design allows you to showcase the specimen inside the display case with any one of four different designs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669943554333,"sku":"80-112-0446-201-40","price":119.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/apollo-8-desk-MAIN-005_02ecd0aa-2cb2-46c5-ba87-5eef02af41c4.jpg?v=1764373859"},{"product_id":"apollo-11-command-module-foil-1-square-centimeter","title":"Apollo 11 Command Module Foil - 1 Square Centimeter","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/apollo-foil-card-square_1024x1024.png?v=1649452539\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is an actual, mission-flown fragment of kapton foil from the Apollo 11 Command Module \u003cem\u003eColumbia\u003c\/em\u003e. This material helped protect Apollo astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins on their journey from Earth to the Moon and back. Salvaged after splashdown, this is a unique collectible from one of the greatest achievements in human history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen was recovered at the Johnson Space Center when the Columbia was decommissioned. It comes from the personal collection of retired NASA Production Control Engineer William R. Whipkey, who oversaw the decommissioning process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe kapton foil is enclosed in an acrylic cube with a magnified lid and includes a glass-topped display case, information card, and certificate of authenticity. The information card showcases images from the Apollo 11 mission, details about the journey, and a die-cut square that matches the size of the acrylic cube. Kapton foil is an aluminized polyimide film used for radiation reflection, and the specimen measures approximately 1cm x 1cm. The outermost layers of Columbia were installed with the aluminized side facing outwards to provide optimal reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"shopify-section\" id=\"shopify-section-template--15123518062675__main\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-js-loaded=\"true\" data-section-type=\"product_page\" data-section-id=\"template--15123518062675__main\" data-js-class=\"Product\" class=\"product-page--root\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-page--wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-page--main-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-page--right-column\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-block-type=\"liquid\" class=\"product-page--block\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe foil square is 100 times larger than our original Apollo 11 foil specimen. As such, this is an incredibly exclusive collector's item. We recommend treating it with upmost care.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"shopify-section\" id=\"shopify-section-template--15123518062675__164849344228b6f502\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-section-id=\"template--15123518062675__164849344228b6f502\" class=\"image-with-text--root\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-placeholder-image=\"false\" data-text-width=\"medium\" data-text-position=\"left\" data-text-exists=\"true\" data-text-color=\"auto\" data-spacing-below=\"true\" data-spacing-above=\"false\" data-overlap=\"false\" data-mobile-overlay=\"false\" data-image-height=\"0\" data-darken-image=\"false\" data-dark-background=\"false\" data-cover-image-mobile=\"false\" data-cover-image=\"false\" data-container-width=\"4\" data-box-around-text=\"false\" data-background-color=\"none\" class=\"featured-content--root\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-background-color=\"none\" class=\"featured-content--container\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"featured-content--image\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-darken-mobile=\"false\" data-darken=\"false\" data-cover-mobile=\"false\" data-cover=\"false\" data-parallax=\"false\" class=\"image--root\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"image--container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669954498845,"sku":"80-112-0097-201-36","price":5520.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/apollo-11-big-MAIN-004_58b353bb-801e-4089-8650-0ab4f7dc1af9.jpg?v=1764374162"},{"product_id":"apollo-11-command-module-pendant","title":"Apollo 11 Command Module Pendant","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis pendant contains an actual, mission-flown fragment of Kapton foil from the Apollo 11 Command Module\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eColumbia\u003c\/em\u003e. This material helped protect Apollo astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins on their journey from Earth to the Moon and back. Salvaged after splashdown, this is a unique collectible from one of the greatest achievements in human history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe foil square measures 2mm x 2mm, and is set into black resin and encased with a 10mm glass cabochon top. A small amount of mica powder has been used to emulate the starry void the Command Module swam through on its trip to the Moon and back.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Apollo 11 Command Module Pendant is an exclusive collector's item. It is a fantastic statement piece that captures an incredible achievement of humankind.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669955875101,"sku":"50-807-6514-206-80","price":299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/Apollo-11-2mm-pendant-MAIN-006.jpg?v=1774476078"},{"product_id":"apollo-13-command-module-foil-1-square-centimeter","title":"Apollo 13 Command Module Foil - 1 Square Centimeter","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Apollo 13 Command Module Foil Specimen\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is a fragment of mission-flown kapton foil which provided thermal protection for the astronauts aboard the Apollo 13 Command Module.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe specimen \u003cstrong\u003emeasures approximately 1cm x 1cm\u003c\/strong\u003e and is enclosed in an acrylic cube with a magnified lid for easy viewing. The acrylic cube is housed inside a padded, glass-topped riker box display case measuring 5 1\/2\" x 6 1\/2\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe foil square is 100 times larger than our original Apollo 13 foil specimen. As such, this is an incredibly exclusive collector's item. We recommend treating it with upmost care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn \u003cstrong\u003einformation card\u003c\/strong\u003e is included with \u003cstrong\u003eimages from Apollo 13\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003edetails about the mission\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003ea certificate of authenticity\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/apollo-13-product-images-13_grande.jpg?v=1566493602\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe card also features a centerline die-cut square matching the dimensions of the acrylic cube.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/1715\/files\/apollo-13-product-images-14_grande.jpg?v=1566493575\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis allows you to showcase the specimen inside the display case with any one of four different designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note: The magnified lid is secured to the acrylic cube with special tape, but the specimen inside is directly accessible.\u003c\/strong\u003e If you choose to remove the lid to examine the specimen, please use extreme caution. \u003cem\u003eThis cannot be stressed enough. \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eKapton foil is very light and can easily escape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e In addition, due to the delicate nature of the material, fragments can vary in shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSource:\u003c\/strong\u003e Acquired at auction, this material comes from the personal collection of retired NASA Production Control Engineer William R. Whipkey. Among space collectors, Whipkey is considered the most reliable source for kapton foil because he oversaw the decommissioning of the Command Modules from multiple missions. He was also responsible for making most of the commemorative displays for astronauts, VIPs, and others who worked on the Apollo Program.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50669955973405,"sku":"80-112-0407-201-40","price":5520.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/as13-whipkey-apollo-1cm-hero-blue_3de07f0f-0720-421c-a9cc-bc21a71bd623.jpg?v=1764374164"},{"product_id":"buzz-aldrin-apollo-11-command-module-foil","title":"Buzz Aldrin Apollo 11 Command Module Foil","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis specimen is an actual, mission-flown fragment of Kapton foil from the Apollo 11 Command Module\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eColumbia\u003c\/em\u003e,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003epreviously held in the collection of Dr. Edwin Eugene \"Buzz\" Aldrin.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThis material helped protect Apollo astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins on their journey from Earth to the Moon and back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis new Kapton selection comes from Buzz Aldrin's personal collection and as such it is extremely limited! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree sizes of material are available: a standard 1mm x 1mm square, a 2mm x 2mm square, and a special 1cm x 1cm square for collectors looking for a larger size.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mini Museum","offers":[{"title":"Small (1mm x 1mm)","offer_id":50669956989213,"sku":"80-112-0408-201-40","price":169.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium (2mm x 2mm)","offer_id":50669957021981,"sku":"80-112-0409-201-40","price":796.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large (1cm x 1cm)","offer_id":50669957054749,"sku":"80-112-0410-201-40","price":19900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0059\/0158\/2449\/files\/apollo-sizes-together-MAIN-006-Aldrin_c59896e1-9fe9-4239-82e4-73c8fd0c51d4.jpg?v=1764374339"}],"url":"https:\/\/stemcell.eco\/collections\/space-artifacts.oembed?page=2","provider":"Stemcell Science Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}