Cosmos - Space memorabilia - 1990-2000 - engraved slice of an iron meteorite (most likely of the Aletai or Muonionalusta type - reused as a

This object is an engraved slice of a ferrous meteorite (most likely of the Aletai or Muonionalusta type, characterized by the typical geometric bands known as Widmanstätten structures), repurposed as a plaque or commemorative gadget with the inscription "USSR-ITALY CONVERSION - 91". It refers to the industrial reconversion and disarmament projects ("Conversion") between the Soviet Union and Italy that took place in 1991, shortly before the collapse of the USSR. • The material (Capsule metal): Although the surface striations strongly resemble the patterns typical of iron meteorites (the reason these fragments are sometimes mistaken for such), the technical data sheet reveals the true nature of the piece. It is a metallic portion cut directly from the structure or shield of re-entry of the Soviet space capsule weighing 2000 kg. Weight 485 g from a private collection.