Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

To protect the Apollo Command Module from the extreme heat of reentry, NASA chose an ablative heat shield composed of a brazed steel honeycomb structure impregnated with phenolic epoxy resin. The earliest test flights of Apollo command modules were designed in large part to test the performance of the heat shield. This heat shield section is from the aft (blunt end) shield from Apollo Command Module 009, which was flown on the unmanned AS 201 test mission on February 26, 1966. Although the sensors intended to monitor heating and behavior of the heat shield failed to operate properly, the command module and heat shield were recovered and the latter subsequently subject to careful examination and testing.

Following completion of the tests (which were destructive in many cases), the heat shield was offered to the Smithsonian. In 1972, prior to shipping, it was cut up into small displayable pieces at the Smithsonian's request.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type SPACECRAFT-Crewed-Parts & Structural Components Manufactured for North American Rockwell Corp., Space Division
 Dimensions Approximate: 2 in. deep x 8 in. long x 6 in. wide (5.08 x 20.32 x 15.24cm)
 Materials Honeycomb: brazed stainless steel
Fill: phenolic epoxy resin
 Inventory Number A19731423003 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.