LOT #50244 |
Sold on Jun 13, 2025 for: Not Sold
NASA Hubble Space Telescope - Lockheed Vehicle Power Interface (VPI) Ground Support System....
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Description
NASA Hubble Space Telescope - Lockheed Vehicle Power Interface (VPI) Ground Support System. A monumental artifact from the dawn of deep-space astronomy: this is the original Vehicle Power Interface (VPI) system designed and built by Lockheed Missiles & Space Company, Inc. for ground operations support of the Hubble Space Telescope. Bearing Lockheed's original hardware identification tags, this full-scale, multi-bay rack system represents a critical period of aerospace engineering and precision instrumentation. Adhered are identification tags that state: "VEH PWR INTERFACE; P/N 4172786-501; CONT. NO. NAS8-32697; 200 VOLTS; 50 AMPS 18K; 60 HERTZ 3 PHASE; SERIAL NO. 1001". The unit comprises multiple bays including power distribution, telemetry and command modules, signal switching panels, and diagnostics, all housed in robust enclosures with factory cabling and interior harnesses. Measures an overall 79" x 49" x 91" when fully assembled. The front console is equipped with CRT displays, switchboards, status indicators, and a labeled Bay II data hub with original orange keypads. The rear access reveals meticulously routed wiring harnesses, fan-cooled power regulators, analog relays, and substantial multi-pin ports for spacecraft simulation or interface. The system was used to simulate, supply, and monitor power flows to the Hubble Space Telescope during critical stages of pre-launch integration and ground testing. These racks are the bridge between spaceflight engineering and celestial science-a foundational component without which the Hubble mission could not have been realized. Rarely does such a complete and historic piece of ground support equipment become available, especially one associated with the Hubble Space Telescope-a mission that forever changed our understanding of the universe. Age and use related wear.This item is being sold in situ in the Denver, Colorado area, the buyer shall be responsible for arranging pickup/shipping.
Auction Info
2025 June 13 - 14 Space Exploration Featuring The Family Collection of Jacques Bracke Part II Signature® Auction #6317 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2025
13th-14th
Friday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 0
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 640
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $1,000,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $5,000,000 per lot.
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Charges to be determined based on Actual Shipping Costs incurred. Note: Additional invoice may follow original. Please contact us for more information. Sales Tax information
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Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms