Own a flown fragment of history from STS-9, the mission that carried the first ESA astronaut and Spacelab to space!

This display (6x9cm) contains an authentic flown panel segment fragment, material that protected the Space Shuttle and held its structure during the journey into space. The fragment is preserved within a laser-engraved wooden base and engraved acrylic cover, featuring a color print of the STS-9 mission patch, engraved orbiter Columbia (OV-102), and full mission details.

STS-9 launched on November 28, 1983, and returned on December 8, 1983, completing 167 orbits. The mission carried the first Spacelab laboratory into orbit, transforming Space Shuttle Columbia into a fully operational scientific research station. It also marked the first flight of an ESA astronaut, German Ulf Merbold, the first West German in space. During the mission, the international crew conducted experiments in astronomy, Earth observation, materials science, and life sciences. Two years later, Germany led its own Spacelab mission, D1, on STS-61-A.

Handmade by The New Space Age in Germany. Size and shape of the flown piece may vary. Although it is possible to remove the screws and disassemble the display we advise you not to do so since the flown piece might get lost. Clean only with a microfiber cloth.