fairchildrepublic

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Photo is reversed. Note backward serial number above fueling receptacle, nose landing gear offset to port (instead of starboard), and Pave Penny seemingly mounted to the port side of the aircraft, when it is always mounted on the starboard side. Corrected.

Missing tiles on Space Shuttle Columbia's (OV-102) starboard Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pod, discovered during the first shuttle flight (STS-1), flown by astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen (April 12-14, 1981.) The tiles were discovered to have been shaken loose/off by the acoustic energy at the launch pad during launch. Since the missing tiles were located in a non-critical area, it was determined (correctly) that their absence would pose minimal risk for Columbia's re-entry and landing.