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This is one of the Rene 41 shingles that covered Mercury capsule #19, the back-up spacecraft for the flight of Walter M. Schirra, who made six orbits of the Earth on October 3, 1962. The mission for #19 was canceled and some parts were used on other Mercury projects. Rene 41 was an alloy made of nickel, chromium, cobalt, molybdenum, titanium, and several other metals. The shingles protected the capsule from the tremendous heat generated during its reentry in to the Earth's atmosphere. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration transferred the shingle to NASM in 1968.

 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 Manufacturer McDonnell Aircraft
 Dimensions Overall: 26.67 x 23.5 x 1.27cm (10 1/2in. x 9 1/4in. x 1/2in.)
 Materials Rene 41
 Inventory Number A19680571003 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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