Two flown nose landing gear extension pyrotechnic thruster NSI pressure cartridges utilized by the Space Shuttle Atlantis on STS-110, each measuring approximately 1.25″ x 1.25″ x 2″, marked on the top: "SKD26100100-301 Code 21356," and etched on the sides with serial numbers "00010" and "00011." The threaded pyrotechnic NASA Standard Initiator (NSI) cartridges fit into two ports at the top of the nose landing gear extension pyrotechnic thruster. When the Shuttle's pilot pushes a button in the cockpit, mechanical locks open the bay doors so that the heavy gear begins to fall into landing position. The thruster piston device 'follows' the gear as it deploys and then the two NSIs are fired into the thruster. The thruster arm locks the nose landing gear into position, ensuring a safe landing. Accompanied by the NASA Unserviceable Parts Tags for both cartridges, stamp-dated May 31, 2002, with remarks: "Ship to JSC EP-5 OV-104 Post Flight 25," and a photocopy of the NASA post-flight shipping document from KSC to JSC. Originates from the collection of a retired NASA Astronaut.
STS-110, an International Space Station assembly mission, marked the 25th flight of Space Shuttle Atlantis (OV-104). Launched on April 10, 2002, the astronauts conducted four spacewalks during the ten-day mission to install the S0 Truss segment (the backbone of the truss structure on the ISS), reconfigure Canadarm2 for the truss, and install future EVA hardware. Atlantis landed safely at the Merritt Island Shuttle Landing Facility on April 19, 2002, its nose landing gear properly deployed.
