Details:

STS-61-A commemorative cover autographed by six members of the mission crew: Henry W. Hartsfield Jr., Steven R. Nagel, Bonnie J. Dunbar, James D. A. Buchli, Guion S. Bluford Jr., and Wubbo Ockels. Postmarked at Edwards Air Force Base, California, on November 6, 1985, the cover commemorates STS-61-A, the final Spacelab mission launched from the United States and the first Space Shuttle mission to carry an eight-person crew. The international flight featured astronauts from the United States, West Germany, and the Netherlands, with Spacelab D1 conducting more than 75 scientific investigations in materials science, life sciences, fluid physics, and technology development.

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.

Wubbo Ockels (1946–2014) became the first Dutch citizen to fly in space aboard STS-61-A. A physicist and educator, he devoted much of his later career to sustainable technology and environmental innovation while remaining one of Europe’s pioneering astronauts.

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

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Reference sku: 11519 1416862-1