Details:

The STS-51-I commemorative cover autographed by the mission’s complete five-member crew: Joe H. Engle, Richard O. Covey, James D. A. van Hoften, John M. Lounge, and William F. Fisher. The cover is postmarked “The Spaceport – It Came From Downey,” August 27, 1985, commemorating the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on the STS-51-I mission. Signed by every member of the crew, the mission is best remembered for the successful deployment of three commercial communications satellites and the dramatic first-ever in-space rescue and repair of a disabled satellite, when astronauts James van Hoften and William Fisher conducted spacewalks to retrieve and stabilize the malfunctioning Syncom IV-3 (Leasat-3) satellite.

Fine condition.

Joe H. Engle (1932–2024) was a legendary X-15 test pilot and one of the few individuals to earn astronaut wings before joining NASA. A veteran of the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs, he commanded STS-51-I and previously served as commander of STS-2.

Richard O. Covey (b. 1946) flew four Space Shuttle missions, serving as pilot of STS-51-I before later piloting the historic STS-26 Return-to-Flight mission following the Challenger disaster. He retired as a U.S. Air Force lieutenant general.

James D. A. van Hoften (b. 1944) flew two Space Shuttle missions and performed four spacewalks totaling more than 29 hours. During STS-51-I, he participated in NASA’s first successful satellite repair mission.

John M. Lounge (1946–2011) flew three Space Shuttle missions, contributing to satellite deployment, scientific research, and International Microgravity Laboratory operations during his NASA career.

William F. Fisher (b. 1946) was a physician and NASA astronaut who flew STS-51-I, performing two spacewalks alongside James van Hoften during the historic Leasat satellite recovery operation. He later held numerous leadership positions supporting Space Shuttle and International Space Station operations.

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

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Reference sku: 11519 1416860-1