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One of the pilot chute mortars (the round canister at rear, under the shield), located against gusset #1.

After the drogues were jettisoned, the pilot chutes were deployed, which in turn extracted the main parachutes. The mains were located between each pair of gussets except between #3 and #4 (where the drogue mortars, pitch thrusters, sea recovery cable, and parachute flower pot were located).

In front of the canister, at the base of gusset #1, is an unusual and modern-looking fixture (these are present at the base of all four gussets). It appears that the Smithsonian has inserted a threaded rod and some sort of lifting lug in the bolt hole for the launch escape tower.

They are presumably to assist in transporting Columbia for the tour. They were not present when she was displayed in the Milestones of Flight gallery.