^Lot 548 Space Shuttle

Available to US bidders only. Unusual light emerald-color fit-check tile, 6 x 6 x 3, used to fit-check the shape and size of the thermal protection tiles for the Space Shuttle Challenger. Serial on tile reads: "REXG-9-07-1509 V070191005-086 T98630 P1 OXL OVOF 09.” Before crews installed the actual reentry-enabling thermal heat shield, fit-check tiles were fabricated and installed on the orbiter's body. These ‘stand-in’ tiles were then referenced to manufacture their flight-ready counterparts. Challenger rolled out of its California assembly facility June 30, 1982.