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This hatch cover shows how the Space Shuttle's thermal blankets can be shaped to fit different features of the vehicle. Blankets are flexible and can be applied to difficult areas more easily than thermal tiles. The blankets covering and framing this hatch have removable plugs for access to the fasteners in the metal structure below. Quilted blankets replaced most of the white tiles originally applied to the topside of the vehicle because they are lighter weight, more durable, and easier to make and install. NASA released a few of these blankets, no longer usable and marked scrap, to the Museum in 2006.

 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 EQUIPMENT-Miscellaneous Manufacturer Rockwell International Corporation
 Dimensions 3-D: 67.3 × 55.2 × 12.7cm (2 ft. 2 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 9 3/4 in. × 5 in.)
 Materials Woven Silica Fabric, Woven Glass Fabric, Silica Thread, Anodized Aluminum, Putty, Tape, Steel, Adhesive, Rubber, Synthetic Fabric, Electric Wires
 Inventory Number A20100122000 Credit Line Transfer 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.