NASA "NEW NINE" SIGNED PHOTO
Exceptional signed photo signed by "The New Nine", 8" x 10" b/w, a wire photo picturing the newly-selected astronauts (with John Glenn and Walter Schirra who do not sign) and signed by each new astronaut across his image, including: EDWARD H. WHITE II, NEIL ARMSTRONG, JOHN YOUNG, CHARLES CONRAD, JR., FRANK BORMAN, ELLIOT SEE (who inscribes the photo), JAMES A. MCDIVITT, JAMES LOVELL, and THOMAS STAFFORD. As the astronauts' suits are dark, contrast on some is fair, and a light but hardly noticeable verticle crease appears at right, corners bumped, otherwise condition on this very rare signed photo is very good. "The New Nine" was the second group of astronauts selected by NASA and announced on September 17, 1962. The group was required to augment the original Mercury 7 with the announcement of the Gemini program and leading to the Apollo program. While the "Original 7" had been selected to accomplish the simpler task of orbital flight, the new challenges of rendezvous and lunar landing led to the selection of candidates with advanced engineering degrees (for four of the "New Nine") as well as test pilot experience.