People 'selling' shuttle debris

News.com.au ^ | 2/2/03 | Staff

[nunya bidness]

TEXAS authorities are investigating reports that people are trying to sell debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia, which disintegrated over eastern Texas earlier today.

"We have a zero tolerance policy for this sort of thing," said Mike Shelby, the US Attorney for the southern district of Texas, after hearing a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report that attempts had been made to sell debris on ebay, an internet auction website.

Shelby said that he and his colleague Matt Arwig, the US attorney for the eastern district of Texas, would cooperate with authorities in an investigation.

Those attempting to sell Columbia wreckage could face charges of theft of government property and interference in a federal investigation, he added.

Of the more than 600 pieces of Columbia memorabilia listed on ebay since the disaster, none advertised wreckage of the shuttle itself.

This report appears on news.com.au.

[Blood of Tyrants]

none advertised wreckage of the shuttle itself.

Correction, ONE did and was quickly pulled.

[evolved_rage]

I think Satan may end up with an overpopulation problem in Hell because of eBay.

[Cagey]

I think Satan may end up with an overpopulation problem in Hell because of eBay.

eBay? Or, a few idiots on eBay? Don't blame the gun.

[Howlin]

What the HELL is wrong with people?

It ought to be against the law to KEEP it, much less try to sell it.

[WFTR]

On a slightly related note, I hope that the government will compensate people whose homes are damaged by debris. They shouldn't receive a lottery-size settlement, but I think reasonable repayment of losses is fair.

WFTR
Bill

[South40]

As ugly an insight into the human mind as it might be, people are willing to not only sell pieces of Columbia, but buy them as well.

Can those caught doing so be exiled to Iraq?

[Cagey]

What the HELL is wrong with people?

Whew. That's the 64K question. Here is an eBay auction for a coin that started on the 27th at $7.95. If it were not for today's tragedy it would probably have sold for $50. Right now it's over $5,000 and I bet it closes at over $10,000. I guess the answer is greed. In this case on the part of the buyers.

Space Shuttle COLUMBIA 1 Ounce Silver Coin

[Paleo Conservative]

NASA Shuttle * STS-107 * Patch - Columbia!

Item # 2156929574

Collectibles:Transportation:Aviation:Other Aviation

Current bid	US $1,025.00		Starting bid	US $1.00
Quantity	1		# of bids	12   Bid history
Time left	2 days, 14 hours +		Location	san diego, CA
			Country/Region	United States /San Diego
Started	Feb-01-03 09:42:15 PST		Mail this auction to a friend
Ends	Feb-04-03 09:42:15 PST		Watch this item
Seller (rating)	friartix(487)
	View seller's feedback | view seller's other items | ask seller a question
High bidder	private auction -- bidders' identities protected
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Description

NASA Shuttle * STS-107 * Patch - Columbia!

Click Images to Enlarge

Official Mission Patch

This is the insignia for STS-107 THE OFFICIAL PATCH!BRAND NEWYou are bidding on The NASA insignia design for Shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the form of illustrations by the various news media. The central element of the patch is the microgravity symbol, µg, flowing into the rays of the astronaut symbol. The mission inclination is portrayed by the 39 degree angle of the astronaut symbol to the Earth's horizon. The sunrise is representative of the numerous experiments that are the dawn of a new era for continued microgravity research on the International Space Station and beyond. The breadth of science conducted on this mission will have widespread benefits to life on Earth and our continued exploration of space illustrated by the Earth and stars. The constellation Columba (the dove) was chosen to symbolize peace on Earth and the Space Shuttle Columbia. The seven stars also represent the mission crew members and honor the original astronauts who paved the way to make research in space possible. The Israeli flag is adjacent to the name of the payload specialist who is the first person from that country to fly on the Space Shuttle.

*CLICK HERE* to check out our other ITEMS we currently have on eBay!

Condition:

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Makes a great gift for Collectors

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NASA Shuttle * STS-107 * Patch - Columbia! Item # 2156929574
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[semaj]

Disgusting

[ffusco]

I agree, but to play devil's advocate, if a tiny nut or bolt landed on your doorstep would you be tempted to keep it? Be honest! My Dad saved a big piece of ash that settled on his window sill from the WTC. He lives 6 miles away in Brooklyn. I know that the dust was not neccessary for an investigation.

[cyborg]

How about use them as human shields and beat Saddam at his own game?

[Husker24]

Nasa should just put out a reward for people who bring pieces of it in or find debris.

[South40]

How about forced immigration to his country?

Let a country other than America take the unwanted for once.

[nunya bidness]

From another thread (the post was pulled from eBay):

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SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA DEBRIS!

Item # 2909705555

Everything Else:Weird Stuff:Really Weird

Current bid	US $99,000,100.00		Starting bid	US $1.00
Quantity	1		# of bids	25   Bid history
Time left	6 days, 23 hours +		Location	Leverkusen NRW
			Country	Germany
Started	Feb-01-03 07:54:26 PST		Mail this auction to a friend
Ends	Feb-08-03 07:54:26 PST		Watch this item
Seller (rating)	csmz(2)
	View seller's feedback | view seller's other items | ask seller a question
High bidder	andrewlevin@netscape.net(3)
Payment	See item description for payment methods accepted.
Shipping	Buyer pays for all shipping costs. Seller ships internationally (worldwide).
Seller services	Sell similar item
Item Revised	To review revisions made to this item by the seller, click here .

Description

I have found this item in my backyard about one hour after the explosion of the SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA. It looks like a FUEL INJECTION VALVE used in rocket engines.The part has many Scratches and Chippings and is in a VERY used condition. A small marking near the connector t reads "#quake.ger@ircnet". Items were found in the vicinity of 50° 53' 02" N 07° 07' 27" E Worldwide shipment to be paid by the buyer. Western Union or Verified Paypal accepted. I do not know if this item has ANYTHING to do with the SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA nor do i claim it being genuine. , it reads "#quake.ger@ircnet"

---

On Feb-01-03 at 08:44:46 PST, seller added the following information:

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Bidding

SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA DEBRIS! Item # 2909705555
	Current bid:		US $99,000,100.00
	Bid increment:		US $100.00
	Your maximum bid:
	(Minimum bid: US $99,000,200.00 )
You will confirm on the next page

Note: Bids of US $15,000.00 or more require user verification with a credit card or alternative verification prior to placing a bid. Learn more .

eBay will bid incrementally on your behalf up to your maximum bid, which is kept secret from other eBay users. The eBay term for this is proxy bidding .

Your bid is a contract - Place a bid only if you're serious about buying the item. If you are the winning bidder, you will enter into a legally binding contract to purchase the item from the seller. Seller assumes all responsibility for listing this item. You should contact the seller to resolve any questions before bidding. Auction currency is U.S. dollars ( US $ ) unless otherwise noted.

	How to Bid
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	3.	Know the details - read the item description and payment & shipping terms closely.
	4.	If you have questions - contact the seller csmz   before you bid.
	5.	Place your bid!
	eBay purchases are covered by the Fraud Protection Program.

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Announcements   |   Register   |   Safe Trading Tips   |   Policies   |   Feedback Forum   |   About eBay
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[Slyfox]

That patch on ebay has been up since before the accident. If you look at patches from the other flights they have also been up for a few days. I don't think the person who put this up for sale is doing it because they are trying to take advantage of a tragedy. I've got three patches myself and look occasionally to see what they are going for.

[Slyfox]

If that guy lives in Germany, how did he happen to find a piece of the Columbia shuttle in his backyard?

[Paleo Conservative]

That patch on ebay has been up since before the accident.

Started Feb-01-03 09:42:15 PST

I don't think so. It was placed at 11:42 CST or more than 3.5 hours after the accident. There are lots of different auctions for these patches.

[clintonh8r]

Wrong! The patch went on auction on Feb 1, at 9:42 AM, PST, about three hours after the incident.

[Fraulein]

"If that guy lives in Germany, how did he happen to find a piece of the Columbia shuttle in his backyard?"

I do not know if this item has ANYTHING to do with the SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA nor do i claim it being genuine....