Space Shuttle Space Flown Cushion
Part#: Sdd46113618-709
C.O.A. Included
Each cushion measures roughly 11.5" 
Missions:
STS-79
STS-88
STS-89
 
The NASA Space Shuttle cushions, represented by the item with part number Sdd46113618-709, hold a significant place in the historical context of space exploration. These cushions, also known as Orbiter Seat Assemblies (OSAs), played a vital role in ensuring the comfort, safety, and well-being of astronauts during the Space Shuttle program, which operated from the early 1980s to 2011. Each cushion, measuring roughly 11.5 inches, was carefully engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of spaceflight and provide critical support to the crew during launch, ascent, re-entry, and landing.
 
Throughout the Space Shuttle program, NASA conducted numerous missions, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. The cushions mentioned in the item were part of missions STS-79, STS-88, and STS-89. These missions represent various aspects of the program's history.
 
STS-79, launched in September 1996, was notable for being the fourth Shuttle-Mir docking mission. It marked a significant milestone in international cooperation as American astronauts transferred to and from the Russian space station Mir. The cushions on this mission played a role in ensuring the safety and comfort of the crew members during the intense phases of launch and re-entry.
 
STS-88, launched in December 1998, was a historic mission as it marked the assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). The cushions aboard this mission were crucial for the crew's well-being during the intricate maneuvers involved in connecting the American and Russian modules of the ISS.
 
STS-89, launched in January 1998, continued the assembly of the ISS by delivering the crew of Expedition 3 to the station. Once again, the NASA Space Shuttle cushions were essential for the safety and comfort of the crew during launch and re-entry, as well as during their stay on the ISS.
 
These cushions were more than just comfortable seats; they were engineered to absorb the tremendous forces experienced by astronauts during launch and landing. The Space Shuttle's rapid acceleration during liftoff subjected astronauts to G-forces that could be three times the force of gravity, and the cushions played a critical role in reducing the impact of these forces on the astronauts' bodies, particularly their spines. Moreover, they were designed to protect astronauts during emergencies, ensuring that they would stay securely in their seats in the event of sudden decompression or other unforeseen circumstances.
 
The inclusion of a Certificate of Authenticity (C.O.A.) with these cushions adds to their historical significance, confirming their authenticity and connection to specific missions. These artifacts serve as tangible reminders of the dedication and ingenuity of the engineers and scientists who made human spaceflight possible and the bravery of the astronauts who ventured into the cosmos. In essence, the NASA Space Shuttle cushions represent both the technical achievements and the human stories behind the Space Shuttle program, making them valuable artifacts of space history.