Lot 23: STS-1 & STS-2 Original Crew Patches
These STS-1 and STS-2 original crew patches represent NASA's first and second Space Shuttle missions launched from Kennedy Space Center in April and November of 1981. The patches were given to Skylab and Space Shuttle Astronaut Paul Weitz for his work on the program.
The STS-1 patch is triangular in shape, measuring 4" x 4" in size. It displays Space Shuttle Columbia launching into space on its maiden voyage. Below the image are the names of crewmembers John Young and Robert Crippen. A shuttle is also seen orbiting the Earth to represent the first U.S. manned space flight since the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975.
The STS-2 patch displays the names of crewmembers Joe Engle and Richard Truly on Space Shuttle Columbia's second flight. The American Flag and a bald eagle are shown in the center of the circular 4" x 4" size patch. Originally scheduled to last 5 days, the mission was cut short after problems developed with fuel cells that produced electricity on-board the spacecraft.
The patches are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Weitz and are from his personal collection.
ASF reserves the right to disqualify the high bidder, to reject the high bid, and to accept a bid from a lower bidder, for any reason within their discretion, which shall be exercised in good faith.
The auction concluded on September 12, 2009 at 5:00 pm EDT.
Bids: 16 Winning Bid: $401 Bidder: 276