Details:

STS-61-A commemorative cover autographed by five members of the mission crew: Henry W. Hartsfield Jr., Steven R. Nagel, Bonnie J. Dunbar, James D. A. Buchli, and Guion S. Bluford Jr. Postmarked in Houston, Texas, on October 31, 1985, the cover commemorates STS-61-A (Spacelab D1), the final Spacelab mission launched from the United States and the first Space Shuttle mission to carry an eight-person crew. Conducted aboard Challenger, the mission was a landmark in international cooperation, featuring astronauts from the United States, West Germany, and the Netherlands while completing more than 75 scientific experiments in life sciences, materials processing, fluid physics, and technology research.

Fine condition.

Henry W. Hartsfield Jr. (1933–2014) was a U.S. Air Force test pilot and NASA astronaut who commanded STS-61-A, his third and final Space Shuttle mission. He previously piloted STS-4 and commanded STS-41-D, the maiden flight of Discovery.

Steven R. Nagel (1946–2014) flew four Space Shuttle missions and served as pilot on STS-61-A. A former U.S. Air Force test pilot, he later became Deputy Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Bonnie J. Dunbar (b. 1949) flew five Space Shuttle missions during a distinguished NASA career spanning nearly three decades. An accomplished engineer and payload specialist, she logged more than 1,200 hours in space.

James D. A. Buchli (b. 1945) is a former U.S. Marine Corps aviator who flew on four Space Shuttle missions, including STS-61-A. He later contributed to the development of advanced spaceflight systems in both government and private industry.

Guion S. Bluford Jr. (b. 1942) became the first African American to travel into space during STS-8. A decorated Air Force pilot and aerospace engineer, he completed four Shuttle missions and remains one of NASA’s most influential astronauts.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11519 1416863-1