Details:

Bill Dana autographed “Sires of the Shuttle - Martin-Marietta X-24B ‘Lifting Body’” commemorative First Day cover honoring the fifth anniversary of the X-24B’s final flight, postmarked Edwards Air Force Base, California, November 26, 1980. Dana has boldly signed the cover in black ink beneath the illustration of the experimental lifting body aircraft that helped pave the way for the Space Shuttle program.

Fine condition.

William H. “Bill” Dana (1930-2014) was a NASA research pilot, engineer, and astronaut who became one of the most accomplished experimental test pilots in aviation history. He flew the legendary X-15 rocket plane to the edge of space, earning astronaut wings, and later served as one of the principal pilots of the Martin-Marietta X-24B lifting body program. The data gathered from the X-24B’s unpowered glide tests proved instrumental in developing the approach and landing characteristics ultimately employed by NASA’s Space Shuttle orbiters.

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

Premium:
A 25% Buyers Premium Will Be Added to All Winning Bids

Reference sku: 11519 1416636-1