|
Author
|
Topic: Apollo command module fire extinguishers
|
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 5367
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 09-23-2011 08:13 PM
   
During a 2008 auction several flown Apollo fire extinguishers were sold including a unit described as being manifested aboard the Apollo 14 command module Kitty Hawk. This deactivated fire extinguisher weighs 7lb. 11oz. and has a metal ID label attached with NASA ID numbers (ID No. ME280-0010-0004 / Serial No. 652570003KKK) that show it was made by the Southwest Research Institute in 6-2-70. This unit is classified "Class III". A full paperwork file consisting of the System and Component Historical Record, the Component History Record and the multipage Southwest Research Institute, End Item Acceptance Data Package for the Apollo Fire Extinguisher / P/N 220201-04 is included. Only one fire extinguisher was carried in the Command Module of each Apollo flight.  An Apollo 14 fire extinguisher is on exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Is there anyone who is visiting who can image and verify the data plate on the displayed artifact to corroborate if these are one and the same? Does anybody know how long the extinguisher has been on display and its chain of custody from 2008 onward? If they are not the same then either the KSC artifact or the one sold via auction (which included paperwork denoting its flown status) is incorrectly attributed as having been aboard Kitty Hawk during its mission. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 5367
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 09-27-2011 09:15 PM
The Apollo 17 command module extinguisher: 
Affiliated paperwork which includes the Test Preparation Sheet (TPS) and flight history records. The paperwork is instructive as it provides a glimpse into the meticulous processes in place to ensure traceability throughout the life of the artifact utilizing the ASHUR and TPS system. There are identical records which were generated for each item (and/or derivative components) removed post-flight from the Apollo command modules.  
|
Joel Katzowitz
Member Posts: 881
From: Marietta GA USA
Registered: Dec 1999
|
posted 09-29-2011 08:11 AM
A buddy of mine was very interested in those Goldberg fire extinguishers, but didn't have the resources to actually bid on them. He did manage to get in touch with the consignor and they have been corresponding ever since. The consignor's name, Robert Stuckey, appears on your documentation. |
DMScott
Member Posts: 359
From: Lexington, MA, USA
Registered: Dec 2005
|
posted 09-30-2011 03:07 AM
Scott -- congratulations on an amazing artifact with stellar documentation. Enjoy it. |
space1
Member Posts: 944
From: Danville, Ohio
Registered: Dec 2002
|
posted 09-30-2011 07:36 AM
Very nice addition, Scott.I recently saw and photographed the fire extinguisher at KSC. I don't believe the location of the display case will allow viewing of the data plate. So the cooperation of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will probably be needed. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 5367
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 09-30-2011 09:24 AM
If the data tag is not accessible then maybe comparison with physical attributes (such as scuff marks) present on the artifact in the Goldberg image provided some lateral shots could be obtained.
|
Jurvetson
Member Posts: 171
From: Los Altos an SF, CA, United States
Registered: Sep 2011
|
posted 07-06-2024 04:04 PM
Scott - I have a very similar looking fire extinguisher. The serial number is the same as yours, but instead of ending with NNN, it ends with AAA. Might you know it's heritage? Thanks!  
|
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 5367
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 07-06-2024 06:11 PM
All of the missions preceding Apollo 14 utilized the -0003 variant extinguishers, subsequent flights up through Skylab assigned higher drawing suffix so assumption is your example originates from the developmental pipeline Steve. At least one apparent differentiator is the hose clip at the base of the extinguisher.Extinguisher under test:  |
Jurvetson
Member Posts: 171
From: Los Altos an SF, CA, United States
Registered: Sep 2011
|
posted 07-07-2024 04:11 PM
Very interesting. Mine has a hose clip too, but it is metal instead of the white material of yours. I think I am just missing the flex hose.Thanks for the intel. I wonder if mine was a Block I design given the Jan 1966 date on it? |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 5367
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 07-07-2024 04:56 PM
There were at least initially no fire extinguishers on the Block I, not tracking separate developmental efforts for each spacecraft type. More likely an evolution informed by lessons learned including those derived from the fire itself.Can you reconfirm production date? Looks like Jan 68 in the tag image. |
advertisement