Nomenclature:
VO70-391040-112
P1 099 ONLY
TY6317 4-82
H-13728 E07 14
OML
P1 099 ONLY
TY6317 4-82
H-13728 E07 14
OML
Orbiter: OV-099 Challenger
Location: forward fuselage.
Category: Thermal Protection System.
Period of use: 1982.
Manufacturer: Rockwell International / NASA
NASA contract number: N/A
Spacecraft/Launch Systems: Space Shuttle
Dimensions: 15.1 x 29.8, x 8.5 cm
Weight: 696 g.
Program: Space Shuttle
Flown status: unflown.
Description: Fit Check Tiles were used on the Space Shuttle Orbiter bodies to verify the fit before the actual tiles were fabricated and installed. Each Orbiter is covered with approxim ately 24,000 silica fiber compound tiles and they are all essentially different in size and shape. Based in the information printed on the tile, this particular example would fit on Challenger. The tile originally came from the Charlie Bell collection and is displayed on a Mahogany base with a metal descriptive plaque affixed to it.
Tile serial numbers normally consist of four segments, the first three separated by dashes. In this fit check tile, three numbers appear separated by dashes:
VO70-391040-112
The first two elements of the serial number are letters 'VT' or 'VO'. The 'V' is for Vehicle, the 'O' is orbiter.
The second set of six digits is the location on the orbiter. The following diagram provides a better understanding of tiles locations:
Credit: NASA
P1 099 ONLY means that it was used only on the Challenger Orbiter.
OML: Outer Mold Line.
Sources:
Follow me