Details:

The STS-29 commemorative cover autographed by the mission’s complete five-member crew: Michael Coats, John E. Blaha, Robert C. Springer, James P. Bagian, and James F. Buchli. The cover bears cachets commemorating early Space Shuttle testing, including the firing and testing of the Shuttle’s Auxiliary Power Units, and is additionally postmarked at Edwards Air Force Base, California, on May 9, 1977, with a secondary Adelaide, Australia cachet dated June 14, 1977. Signed by every member of the crew, the cover commemorates STS-29, the eighth flight of Space Shuttle Discovery, launched on March 13, 1989. The mission successfully deployed the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-4 (TDRS-D), significantly expanding NASA’s space communications network, while also conducting numerous scientific and military secondary payload experiments.

Fine condition.

Michael Coats (b. 1946) is a veteran of three Space Shuttle missions, serving as pilot of STS-41-D and commander of STS-29 and STS-39. A former U.S. Navy test pilot, he later served as Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

John E. Blaha (b. 1942) flew five Space Shuttle missions before spending more than four months aboard the Russian space station Mir as part of the Shuttle-Mir Program, helping pave the way for future international cooperation on the International Space Station.

Robert C. Springer (b. 1939) flew two Space Shuttle missions, STS-29 and STS-38. A Marine Corps aviator and test pilot, he contributed to both scientific and Department of Defense payload operations.

James P. Bagian (b. 1952) is a physician and former NASA astronaut who flew aboard STS-29 and STS-40, the latter dedicated to life sciences research. Following his astronaut career, he became a nationally recognized leader in patient safety and healthcare quality.

James F. Buchli (b. 1945) flew four Space Shuttle missions, including STS-51-C, the first classified Department of Defense Shuttle flight. Over the course of his career, he logged more than 20 days in space and participated in numerous satellite deployment and defense-related missions.

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

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Reference sku: 11519 1416858-1