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Reinforced Carbon-Carbon Mission: STS-1 Columbia STS-2 Columbia STS-3 Columbia   Crew: John W. Young Robert L. Crippen Joseph H. Engle Richard H. Truly Jack R. Lousma C. Gordon Fullerton Launches: April 12, 1981 November 12, 1981 March 22, 1982   Landings: April 14, 1981 November 14, 1981 March 30, 1982   Duration: 2 days, 6 hours 2 days, 6 hours 8 days, 4 minutes   Comment: RCC was a focus of the Columbia tragedy investigation This sample of reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) material was flown on Columbia missions STS-1 through STS-3. RCC provides protection above 2,700° F, yet keeps the aluminum structure of the orbiter below its 350° maximum. RCC is installed on the wing leading edges; the nose cap, including an area immediately aft of the nose on the lower surface (chine panel); and the immediate area around the forward orbiter/external tank attachment. This piece was presented by LTV Corporation (Vought), the company that developed RCC, to Gemini and Apollo astronaut Michael Collins who served as LTV's Vice President at the time of the Space Shuttle flights. Collins autographed the reverse before parting with the acrylic from his personal collection. back to Artifacts © 1999-2008 collectSPACE.com All rights reserved. Questions? E-mail contact@collectspace.com