9599

STS-103 Flown Forward External Tank Strut Shear Bolt Assembly

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,000.00 USD
STS-103 Flown Forward External Tank Strut Shear Bolt Assembly

Bidding Over

The auction is over for this lot.
The auctioneer wasn't accepting online bids for this lot.

Contact the auctioneer for information on the auction results.

Search for other lots to bid on...
Auction Date:2022 Apr 21 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:15th Floor WeWork, Boston, Massachusetts, 02108, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Impressive forward External Tank (ET) separation bolt assembly from Space Shuttle Discovery flown on STS-103, measuring approximately 6.25" in diameter and 10.25" long, with a weight of 52 pounds, marked on the base: "Shear Bolt, SKD26100098-245, Mfg Date 09-93, SN-07140-00020-HCV." The forward ET shear bolt structurally ties together the Space Shuttle Orbiter and External Tank at the forward attach point; it has two threaded ports for pyrotechnic NASA Standard Initiator (NSI) pressure cartridges. When the cartridges are activated, the central piston fires and shears the attachment bolt, allowing the tank to be jettisoned. Originates from the collection of a retired NASA Astronaut and includes a signed letter of provenance.

STS-103, a Hubble Space Telescope Servicing mission, marked the 27th flight of Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103). Launched on December 19, 1999, members of the STS-103 crew conducted three spacewalks to perform several maintenance tasks and upgrades. The astronauts replaced all six of the telescope's gyroscopes (four of which had failed, rendering it incapable of performing scientific observations), replaced a Fine Guidance Sensor, upgraded the Hubble's computer with a much faster model, installed a Voltage/Temperature Improvement Kit (VIK) to prevent battery overcharging, and replaced thermal insulation blankets.