Flown nose landing gear extension pyrotechnic thruster utilized by the Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-103, measuring approximately 12″ x 4.25″ x 3.25″, marked on the top: "Thruster, Pyrotechnic, Nose Gear Extension, NASA Part No. SKD 26100100-205, Mfg Date 09-96, OEA Part No. 2737100-101-03, Mfg Code & TR No. 17610-00008-HCD." Marked in felt tip on the central barrel, "OV-103, FLT 27." The thruster features two threaded ports at the top for pyrotechnic NASA Standard Initiators (NSIs). 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 on this 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. 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. Discovery landed safely at the Merritt Island Shuttle Landing Facility on December 28, 1999, its nose landing gear properly deployed.
