Flown thermal barrier carried on board the Space Shuttle Atlantis during mission STS-86 from September 25, 1997 to October 6,1997. Barrier approximately measures 13.5″ in diameter and was installed at the orbiter's mold line (OML). Barriers such as this one utilized an inner tubular spring made from inconel wire and helped insure the orbiter's frame did not exceed 350 degrees while in space. The barrier was removed from the Atlantis in March 1998, after a post-flight inspection showed this example to be damaged and scheduled to be scrapped. Includes original red condemned service tag: "FSN. Part No. and Item Description V070-398302-002, Thermal Barrier, OCN AV3104, Remarks TFRC4-21-0855 (2 MAR '98) F2R, Inspection Activity USA, Condition Code H, Reason or Authority Scrap." Also includes the original service bag, marked in black felt tip, "Scrap." In very good to fine condition, with expected wear. Flown status presumed by shuttle specialist Ken Havekotte. From the collection of aerospace memorabilia specialist Ken Havekotte.
