Astronaut Scholarship Foundation

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Lot 8: Glenn and Carpenter Signed NASA Booklet

This vintage informational booklet was published by NASA in 1959, the same year that seven military pilots were selected for the Mercury Project. It has been boldly signed by two Mercury astronauts, John Glenn and Scott Carpenter, both of whom added the rare inscription, "Astronaut," in script beneath their autographs.

The 47-page booklet is titled The Challenge of Space Exploration: A Technical Introduction to Space, and includes six chapters covering everything from the definition of space and laws of motion, to space probes and the biomedical aspects of spaceflight. Wonderfully detailed illustrations and technical diagrams can be found throughout the piece.

A section on "Future Propulsion" is particularly intriguing, as it provides an early discussion on the potential use of nuclear fission, nuclear fusion and ion systems to power rockets. The booklet's "Glossary of Space Terms" will take you back to the early years of space science as you rediscover the meanings of terms like "escape velocity," "light-year" and "retro-rocket."

As members of the United States' first astronaut class, the Mercury 7, Glenn and Carpenter were the first and second Americans, respectively, to orbit the Earth. Glenn launched into orbit on February 20, 1962 and Carpenter's mission took place a few months later on May 24, 1962. Both men circled the Earth three times before landing in the ocean.

A Certificate of Authenticity signed by Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Executive Director Linn LeBlanc accompanies this lot.

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.

Bid History

Bidding on this lot concluded on March 15, 2013 at 10:00 PM EDT.

Bidders: 14 Bids: 32 Winning Bid: $810

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