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Space Shuttle Hatch Entry Tool

Description

This hatch entry tool is a metal cylinder with a 5/8 inch square drive. The round knob at the left releases the square drive so the tool can be used in a T-shaped configuration shown here.

The tool was maintained by the Dover AFB Fire Department during the years of NASA’s space shuttle program. Because Dover AFB was designated as a site where the space shuttle could land in case of an emergency landing after a launch, the base fire department or other rescue personnel could use the hatch entry tool as a way to rescue the shuttle crew. The tool was designed to break the tile covering the hatch and then open the hatch enabling entry into the shuttle.

Filed In:

Era: Modern

Location: On Display

Special Collection: Dover AFB

Accession #:
2012-3242-0025-0001

Museum Location:
Control Tower exhibit

Questions?

Question about this artifact? Email the Collections Manager, Hal Sellars.

We cannot assist with appraisals nor researching where to purchase items/artifacts.

Disclaimer

Every artifact in the Air Mobility Command Museum, including this one, is part of the United States Air Force Heritage Program. We are not able to loan or sell artifacts in the museum's collection.