Interesting collection of sixteen "Space Shuttle Rocket O-Ring Samples," affixed inside a 17″ x 11.5″ box, all with identification labels below. Affixed inside the lid is a table providing "O-Ring Resiliency Test Data," dated November 14, 1986. Following the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger and identification of SRB O-ring deficiencies, a number of alternative O-ring materials were tested and evaluated. These tests, as shown in this collection, focused on, among other things, O-ring performance in low temperatures. An additional hand-drawn chart with results of an associated test is included. In fine condition. Consignor notes that the O-ring samples originate from the estate of NASA employee Ron Bates, who conducted the tests.
