The country’s space program uses some rather unusual parts in critical areas of its space shuttle program. One of these parts is an Intel 8086 chip, which was featured in IBM’s first PCs, back in 1981. This is only one of the nearly-obsolete parts that NASA relies upon for its aging fleet of shuttles. Their source for some of these dusty relics? None other than that online favorite: eBay.
According to feedback from one online seller, retrogeek – who gives “4 stars – positive feedback, decent credit payments” to the space giant - NASA (bidding as “wastespace2001”) has posted a list of other “critical” parts it is seeking through the auction site. Some other vital “missing links” in the U.S. space race include:
· SEAT BUN: DELUXE (PONY) INTERIOR FOR FORD MUSTANG - Any 1965-67 model, 8-cyl Boss 302 model preferred. One front bucket seat only. Right hand or left hand. Only if “totally mint.”
· 8-Track of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s “Relax”.
· AC power cord for Norelco sheep shearers, part #196-08-44.
· Jarts. Preferably yellow, with no visible dirt or blood marks.
· Simplicity 5945 Men’s Pants Suit Pattern, c. 1973, Chest 34"-52", waist 28" to 50", length 28"-36", with step-by-step instructions included.
· A real Mach V, Death Star, or “Thunderbirds” Zero-X.
· A signed Barbara Bain poster.
· 200,000,000 pull-tabs from aluminum soda cans.
· “Plausible schematic” for Data’s positronic net from Star Trek: The Next Generation. If unavailable, any available VHS tape of any episodes of “Get Smart” with Hymie in them.
