Details:

STS-40 commemorative cover autographed by the entire seven-member crew: Bryan D. O’Connor, Sidney M. Gutierrez, James P. Bagian, Tamara E. Jernigan, Rhea Seddon, F. Drew Gaffney, and Millie Hughes-Fulford. Cancelled with a NASA Bay Branch, Houston, Texas postmark dated April 28, 1991, the cover commemorates STS-40, flown aboard Space Shuttle Columbia. Launched on June 5, 1991, the mission carried Spacelab Life Sciences-1 (SLS-1), the first Shuttle flight dedicated exclusively to biomedical research. During its nine-day mission, the crew conducted extensive experiments examining the effects of microgravity on humans and laboratory animals, providing valuable data for future long-duration spaceflight.

Fine condition.

Bryan D. O’Connor (b. 1946) is a retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel and NASA astronaut who flew two Space Shuttle missions before serving in senior NASA leadership, including as Chief of Safety and Mission Assurance.

Sidney M. Gutierrez (b. 1951) is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and NASA astronaut who flew two Space Shuttle missions, serving as pilot on STS-40 and commander of STS-59.

James P. Bagian (b. 1952) is a physician, engineer, and former NASA astronaut who flew two Space Shuttle missions. Following his astronaut career, he became a leading authority in patient safety and healthcare quality.

Tamara E. Jernigan (b. 1959) is a former NASA astronaut who flew five Space Shuttle missions and later served in academia and the aerospace industry following her distinguished spaceflight career.

Rhea Seddon (b. 1947) is a surgeon and former NASA astronaut who flew three Space Shuttle missions. She was among the first six women selected by NASA as astronauts and made significant contributions to space medicine.

F. Drew Gaffney (b. 1946) is a physician and payload specialist who flew aboard STS-40, helping conduct pioneering biomedical research that advanced understanding of the human body’s response to spaceflight.

Millie Hughes-Fulford (1945–2021) was a molecular biologist and NASA payload specialist who flew on STS-40, conducting groundbreaking life sciences experiments. She later became internationally recognized for her research into the effects of microgravity on human cells and immune function.

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

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Reference sku: 11519 1416872-1