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**Includes Certificate of Authenticity**
Genuine Starship SN24 (IFT-1) AND S28 (IFT-3) Heat Shield Tile Fragment Set (w/ Mission Sticker)
This sale is for two Genuine SpaceX Starship Heat Shield Tile fragments (one from Flight 1 SN24 and one from Flight 3 S28) also including Mission Logo sticker set for both flights. You will receive both of the selected fragments. These heat tile fragments have officially and responsibly been reported to SpaceX's debris reporting contact. These particular tile piece sections would be a great novelty. This is considered a very collectible set being offered suitable for the hardcore space enthusiast, collector, or museum. Now is your chance to own a piece of history!
IFT-1 Flight 1 SN24
- After a scrubbed launch days before, on April 20th, 2023 SpaceX conducted one of the most historic launches in all of mankind. Towering 40 stories tall, the Starship and Super Heavy Booster lifted off the earth surpassing double the thrust of the legendary Saturn V rocket. To date, this is the most powerful man-made launch of all time. Tens of thousands flocked to south Texas to view this highly anticipated and historic flight test being conducted from Starbase on Boca Chica.
With a purging hold on T-40 seconds,the world rejoiced upon continuation of countdown. SpaceX's expectations were scattered and hopes of simply clearing the pad would be considered a win. At liftoff, the 33 Raptor engines of the Super Heavy Booster produced a deafening 17 million pounds of thrust! These great forces and temperatures completely destroyed the launchpad foundation leaving a massive crater. Concrete and fondag were blasted upwards of a mile away from the site. Mass slabs of foundation the size of cars were even flung into the gulf of Mexico as seen in various footage. Nonetheless, the Starship officially had a historic liftoff.
Not only did SN24 and the BN7 booster have lift off, it eventually reached MaxQ (period where the most extreme aerodynamic pressure is exerted on the ship). After Max Q, the Starship pushed through the atmosphere climbing to an altitude of 39km (24 miles). While awaiting stage separation, uncontrollable circumstances forced the team to conduct a flight termination which caused the Starship and Booster to explode roughly 29km (18 miles) over the Gulf of Mexico. Despite all, this flight test was a HUGE historic success and valuable data had been gathered to pave the wave for the future of SpaceX development.
After several weeks, surviving debris (tile fragments) had officially washed ashore during a brief period. Due to the powerful explosion and fall from a very high altitude, most tile pieces were completely destroyed or broken up. While many of the fragments found washed up on south Texas beaches were quite small (1-2"), there were ultra rare cases of larger specimens which had survived. This unique heat tile section is one of those incredible pieces lucky to be found. This highly developed silica composed tile is fairly fragile and very light 'flaking' or dusting is normal and you are suggested to protect and store/display once receiving.
IFT-3 Flight 3 S28
- On March 14th, 2024 SpaceX conducted the launch and the 3rd test Flight of the Starship Vehicle and Super Heavy Booster. Towering 40 stories tall, the Starship and Super Heavy Booster lifted off the earth surpassing double the thrust of the legendary Saturn V rocket. New goals and objectives had been established for this flight. The vehicle successfully conducted a hot staging separation for the 2nd time. This time the Booster returned back to the gulf and just meters above the surface conducted a RUD. Meanwhile, Starship continued to fly in all her glory. After a few minutes, Starship had stopped just shy of orbit as planned. Soon after, testing of fuel transfers and payload door opening/closing was achieved. Then a while after Starship conducted its scheduled re-entry. For the first time in human livestream video, the world was able to see the Heat tiles at work live via steaming from Starlink satellites as plasma built up around the surface of the ship with extraordinary temperatures. Eventually, SpaceX lost telemetry with the Starship vehicle as it burned up in the atmosphere over the Indian Ocean. Despite the destruction, this launch was a monumental success and the data obtained will help pave the way for other Starship success!
Unlike Starship SN24, the very limited number of tile and tile pieces recovered are extremely low and rare. These heat tiles had come detached from the ship at some point during the launch over the Gulf. Some shook off instantly, while it is speculated some came off during Max Q and even hot staging. To be able to hold one of these pieces of history in your hand is a remarkable treat!
I will take extreme care is packing the items and will be shipped via US Priority Mail.
*Due to the nature of these items, the sale is final and non-refundable. This seller is not affiliated with or endorsed by SpaceX.
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