NASA MLP-2

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Please note: due to the popularity of this PlaneTags release, and the extensive handwork necessary, shipping of orders is 1 - 2 weeks.





We have liftoff! The newest PlaneTag from MotoArt has launched. Introducing our NASA MLP-2 PlaneTags, created from the Mobile Launch Platform that connected mankind to the cosmos. Our PlaneTags are made from the TSMs, the last connection between the Space Shuttle and earth.

OUR MLP-2 STORY

NASA's Mobile Launchers were initially developed in 1963 to support the Apollo program, then later modified for the Space Shuttle program and rechristened Mobile Launch Platforms (MLP). These massive two-story structures supported Saturn V rockets, and later the Space Shuttle stack during the build-up and launch stages. The 6 million pound structure could support an additional 12 million pounds during assembly before being transported to launch complex 39. Once positioned, the MLP served as the actual launch platform. 

The Tail Service Masts (TSM) were two large structures on both sides of the Shuttle main engine exhaust hole. The TSMs provided umbilical connections to the shuttle orbiter, feeding propellants from the launch pad tanks, as well as helium and nitrogen, purge air, electrical power, and comm links. The umbilicals rapidly retracted into the TSM at launch and were protected from the flames by trap blast doors. The TSMs were literally the last thing to touch the Space Shuttle before its ascension. 

As Mobile Launcher-2 (ML-2) it launched the uncrewed Apollo 6 mission, followed by the crewed 9th, 12th, and 14th missions, and finally Skylab aboard a Saturn V in 1973. Read more about it on our blog.

As Mobile Launch Platform-2 (MLP-2):

  • Used for 44 Space Shuttle launches, beginning in 1983
  • Every orbiter, except for Columbia, launched on their maiden flights from MLP-2
  • Launch pad for Space Shuttle Challenger's final flight

MotoArt is honored to have the opportunity to preserve this historic space exploration artifact and create the incredible MLP-2 PlaneTag. These are our thickest PlaneTags yet - ½ inch thick hardened steel, waterjet cut and laser etched, and attached to an aluminum display card with a magnet. This collectible will be cherished for generations to come. The MLP never left earth but our NASA MLP-2 PlaneTags are out of this world. Get yours now.



NASA MLP-2- Mobile Launcher Platform-2

      

Mobile Launch Platform Specifications:

  • Manufacturer: INGALLS IRON WORKS
  • BUILD YEAR: 1964
  • LENGTH:160 FT
  • WIDTH: 135 FT
  • HEIGHT: 25 FT
  • PEDESTALS: 6 X 22 FT
  • EMPTY WEIGHT: 9.25 Million LB
  • w/UNFUELED SHUTTLE WEIGHT: 12.02 Million LB
  • w/FUELED SHUTTLE WEIGHT: 13.72 Million LB

Tail Service Mast Specifications:

  • LENGTH: 15 FT
  • WIDTH: 9 FT
  • HEIGHT: 31 FT
  • CONNECTIONS: LIQUID HYDROGEN, LIQUID OXYGEN, GROUND ELECTRICAL POWER, AND COMMUNICATION LINKS

DISCLAIMER

Perfect Aviation Gift

PlaneTags are: 

  • Authentic - made from actual retired TSM material, not merely stamped metal. 
  • Unique -  each PlaneTag bears the color, thickness, and wear and tear from the portion of the MLP-2 from which it was cut and it is therefore rare to create two identical PlaneTags. 
  • Collectible - each one is numbered in a limited edition and comes attached to a display card. 

*Important Notice – Please Read Carefully

PlaneTags are made from actual retired TSM material, not merely stamped metal. Because PlaneTags are made from real TSM material, each PlaneTag bears the color, thickness, and wear and tear from the portion of the MLP-2 from which it was cut and it is therefore rare to create two identical PlaneTags. These variations and imperfections are not product flaws. They are part of the beauty of PlaneTags. As a result, you will not have an option to select the color of your PlaneTag. The images on this website are provided for reference only and should not be used as the sole basis for choosing a particular PlaneTag.

Caution: Not recommended for children under 8 years of age. This product contains chemical-based paint which may cause respiratory irritation if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. Keep out of mouth.

Customer Reviews
4.5 Based on 33 Reviews
5 ★
79% 
26
4 ★
6% 
2
3 ★
6% 
2
2 ★
0% 
0
1 ★
9% 
3
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Filter Reviews:
    CM
    08/02/2022
    chet m.
    United States

    Awesome item.

    Awesome item. I like anything having to do with the Space Shuttle.

    L
    07/25/2022
    Lorantz
    United States United States

    By far one of my favorite tags

    I have always been a NASA fanatic and was devastated when they ended the Space Shuttle Program. Being able to have a piece of the MLP-2 Launcher is an awesome reminder of how great the Shuttles were. The tag is very well made and is HEAVY! Definitely the most unique tag I have.

    JR
    07/09/2022
    Jacqueline R.
    United Kingdom United Kingdom

    Great memento

    I bought this item for my son’s birthday.We live in the UK, but did go to watch Atlantis take off in 2009, so this brought back an exciting memory. Excellent quality.

    GS
    07/02/2022
    Gerald S.
    United States United States

    Great way to remember the shuttle program

    Great memento of the shuttle program. Was happy to learn that this came from the launch platform that was used for the shuttle mission I worked on (STS-49). Item was especially packed and is of high quality.

    DB
    07/02/2022
    David B.
    United States United States

    Not happy

    I assumed it was like all of your others. Not a big clunk of steel

    TG
    07/02/2022
    Tim G.
    United States United States

    Space Shuttle MLP TSM

    Awesome! It’s a piece of Space Shuttle history, and I’m honored to have it in my collection!

    KR
    05/05/2022
    Kenneth R.
    United States United States

    Love it!

    Awesome addition to my collection

    WH
    04/02/2022
    William H.
    United Kingdom United Kingdom

    Plane tags

    The product itself is good but unfortunately it took 2 months to be delivered and the after sales care was atrotius . Would shop else where

    PF
    03/03/2022
    Pete F.
    United States United States

    High-Quality But...

    It is a nice high-quality item, but expensive and not worth the money. IMO

    JB
    03/03/2022
    joe b.
    United States United States

    MLP TAG

    Nice piece for a piece of history added to my space exploration collection.

    BB
    03/03/2022
    Ben B.
    United States United States

    Nasa Tag

    If you are a space nerd you have to buy one of these. The tag weighs quite a lot and the backing is a piece of sheet metal. The magnet that holds it in place is powerful enough to display on your fridge no problem. They also ship in a box printed just for this tag. If the price wasn’t as much I would have bought two.

    BF
    03/03/2022
    Brian F.
    United States United States

    A piece of history

    This piece of the launch pad is truly amazing. It has nice weight and just looks cool. I have several other tags and besides the SR71, This is my favorite.

    PJ
    03/03/2022
    Pete J.
    United States United States

    Love it

    Such an interesting piece of history. Shared it's story with many family and friends.

    LR
    03/03/2022
    Lorantz R.
    United States United States

    Love this tag and it's connection to NASA

    It's a great tag to display and an amazing piece of history to have. It's also a great conversation starter.

    MS
    03/02/2022
    MI S.
    Australia Australia

    Just perfect

    This piece is unique there are no two of the same, a work of art

    AW
    03/02/2022
    Adrian W.
    Australia Australia

    A slice of space history

    A truly unique and eye catching piece of memorabilia. A must for anyone who followed the shuttle program and the heroic crews.

    DB
    03/02/2022
    Darren B.
    Australia Australia

    Haven't received it yet

    Ordered on August 5 2021, it's now February 3 2022 (7mths). USPS suspended service to Australia in September 2021, but I have had no proactive communication to advise if it was returned to sender and if there are alternate postage options.

    04/18/2022

    PlaneTags

    Hello Darren, We sent you an email last week, please reply ASAP.

    RC
    03/02/2022
    Roy C.
    Canada Canada

    You Can Feel The Power!

    An amazing work of art by MotoArt!

    SR
    03/02/2022
    Stephen R.
    United States United States

    MLP-2 Tag

    Well, if by use, you mean “On Display” then it’s fabulous. I have #500 and it’s a great piece, proud to have it!

    WU
    03/02/2022
    William U.
    United States United States

    Wow

    Has some heft to it. Nice to hold a big chuck of metal.

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