FLOWN NASA Space Shuttle Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Inconel Thermal Radiation Shield manufactured by the HITCO Company.

This artifact was purchased at a Kennedy Space Center Ransom Road Public Auction back in the 1990's.

It was originally part of the Charles H Bell hardware collection.

NASA's refurbishment facility near Titusville Florida would receive the Shuttle Orbiters after their return to Earth and repair and replace any damaged or upgraded hardware.

HITCO is an Aerospace manufacturing company in Atlanta Georgia.

The unit was painted red by NASA to prevent any actual reuse.

The same waffling can be seen on the APU being installed shown picture with NASA technicians.

The last photos feature the installation and location of the Space Shuttle Orbiter APU's.