Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Fresh air is essential for astronauts’ health and well-being inside a sealed spacecraft. This fan was part of the space shuttle’s cabin air revitalization system, which constantly circulated and filtered air to remove heat, humidity, carbon dioxide, odors, and particulates.

Two such fans were located under the crew cabin floor, with only one in use at a time. Air circulated from the fan to two lithium hydroxide canisters that filtered out the carbon dioxide and odors, and then to a heat exchanger that handled the heat and humidity. Hair, lint, and any other particles were trapped by filters on the air ducts and routinely vacuumed by the crew. Operating at the 300 setting, one fan could freshen the shuttle cabin’s air volume every seven minutes or about eight times an hour.

NASA transferred this fan and many other items to the Museum after the space shuttle program ended.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type EQUIPMENT-Miscellaneous Manufacturer ILC
ILC Space Systems
Dimensions 3-D (Overall): 23.8 × 59.7 × 43.2cm, 13.5kg (9 3/8 in. × 1 ft. 11 1/2 in. × 1 ft. 5 in., 29.8lb.)
Materials Aluminum
Non-Magnetic White Metal
Synthetic Fabric
Velcro
Paint
Plastic
Electrical Components
Adhesive Tape
Ink
Inventory Number A20170094000 Credit Line Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.