Smithsonian Institution
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Asset Name:
media:NASM-976F58B1336D2_004

File Usage:

Not determined
There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page at https://www.si.edu/Termsofuse


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Object details:

Object Name: Power Cell, Electrical, Space Shuttle
Smithsonian Record ID: edanmdm:nasm_A19850583000

	Object Name
	Power Cell, Electrical, Space Shuttle

	Metadata Usage
	Not determined

	Guid
	http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9857fea63-7a64-4ef0-8243-6a337965fdd8

	Data Source
	National Air and Space Museum

	Manufacturer
	Rockwell International Corporation

	Materials
	Circuit board: phenolic resin with gold and other non-ferrous metal

	Dimensions
	3-D: 28.9 x 30.7 x 0.6cm (11 3/8 x 12 1/16 x 1/4 in.)

	Summary
	This is plate from a fuel cell that provided electric power for Columbia, the first Shuttle to fly in space. Fuel cells generate power from the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen with oxygen. Instead of burning the fuel, the cell captures the electrons from the oxidation of hydrogen as an electric current. The water that is a produced by that reaction can then be used by the astronauts.

	Summary
	This plate was used on Columbia for its early flights, beginning as early as the STS-5 mission flown in 1982. In 1985 the fuel cells were replaced, thus rendering this plate surplus to NASA's needs. They transferred it to the Museum in 1985.

	Country of Origin
	United States of America

	Credit Line
	Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

	Inventory Number
	A19850583000

	Type
	EQUIPMENT-Power Sources

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