|
Author
|
Topic: Assessing, identifying Dad's NASA stuff
|
Solrider
New Member Posts: 5
From: Huntsville
Registered: Jun 2021
|
posted 02-15-2022 05:53 PM
   
Dad worked for NASA for 35 years starting in the 50's on JUNO/Explorer satellites through to the Space Telescope. I finally took a moment and called the U.S. Space and Rocket Center for advice and who did the archivist, Ms. Rebecca recommend but the one and only collectSPACE! I would like to respectfully request some sage advice. NASA serial numbers, is there a method or source for verifying serial numbers on items and photographs? |
Solrider
New Member Posts: 5
From: Huntsville
Registered: Jun 2021
|
posted 02-16-2022 02:18 PM
Attached are some photos and a short description of items that may be of interest. I would like to get any reactions or advice and especially if any item is of some value, how to go about getting appraisal and how to protect value... - Poster of "Explorer" satellite signed by von Braun
- Letter to Dad from von Braun for Juno/Explorer work
- "Control Module" (?) for Explorer satellite 1950's?
- Saturn I booster section scale model
- Saturn IB scale model
- Some pics of Dad (dark suit) working on Explorer satellite in the 50-60s.
- Explorer promotion photo
- Aluminum 7-foot mockup of Saturn V, one of two that were in the lobby of the old Marshall Space Flight Center
- Color negatives of Alan Shepard landing and recovery. A couple recognizable from newsreels.
- Braille edition of "Trip to the Moon"
 
|
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 5221
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 02-17-2022 06:13 AM
Some very rare/beautiful artifacts. Glad you were able to preserve them and your father's legacy! I can help with the item which you preliminarily list as "Control Module" (?) for Explorer satellite 1950's?" It is affiliated with Explorer 8 (about the 12th or so Juno launched payload); part of the detector assembly. — Scott |
Ken Havekotte
Member Posts: 3587
From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard
Registered: Mar 2001
|
posted 02-17-2022 06:37 AM
Just briefly for now, the satellite pictured outside is a full mock-up or perhaps even a backup Explorer 11 (S-15) that was launched by a von Braun Juno II rocket in April 1961 after Gagarin orbited Earth. It was NASA's first space-borne gamma ray telescope that ushered in the beginning of space gamma ray astronomy.It's appears to be in great condition and certainly a "rare find" for any of the early and pioneering Explorer earth orbiting series of satellites and space probes, of course though, I am not referring to those that were actually flown. The older Apollo/Saturn models are superb in my opinion, despite some condition issues of the Saturn V. A great collection that I'm glad was retained by Mr. Murhpy's son. |
kosmo
Member Posts: 515
From:
Registered: Sep 2001
|
posted 02-17-2022 09:38 AM
Some very beautiful and rare items, what a great piece of history. Find a place in your home to display them if you can. |
Solrider
New Member Posts: 5
From: Huntsville
Registered: Jun 2021
|
posted 02-18-2022 10:37 PM
I can't tell you how much your discussion has been a godsend. Finally, I have some solid leads! I would love to see the U.S. Space and Rocket Center recognize dad in some way. Not sure of how to accomplish this just yet but I thought first I should research and document provenance of items. I have the resources to travel CONUS to investigate or meet with any point of contact. Hey, how about the Antiques Roadshow?  Also if anyone knows of a point of contact at the Space and Rocket Center, or a local that may be interested in helping me out, I need a advocate and coach! Someone on the inside? - Poster of "Explorer" satellite signed by von Braun and Letter to Dad from von Braun: how to authenticate signature? Point of contact? Value?
- Explorer 8 Payload: how can I document value or authenticity? Is there someone would be able to document this to a certain level of confidence?
- Saturn IB scale model: Scott gave me a rough estimate. How would I go about getting more precise estimate, maybe documented?
- Aluminum mock-up of Saturn V, one of two that were in the lobby of the old Marshall Space Flight Center: how to proceed here? Is there a point of contact for value or to help with to authentication? picture of lobby from 70's?
- Color negatives of Alan Shepard landing and recovery. A couple recognizable from newsreels: Point of contact for authentication, value?
- Braille edition of "Trip to the Moon": honestly I think this is the coolest thing! Point of contact for ID authentication and value?
|
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2919
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
|
posted 02-19-2022 04:54 AM
Looks like some very interesting models. The SIV stage with transport model is a McDonnell contractor model. This appears to be an earlier version based on the checkerboard decal. I have a similar later version that I paid $400 a few years ago. The Saturn I in my guess is a 1/100 scale. It is a MSFC model from their model shop. I have one with the box and additional pointy nose cone that I bought for $3000 about 8 years ago. The early Saturn V model I think I have seen at auction at some point called a Saturn C5. I would search Heritage Auction, Sotheby's and RR to see what comes up. |
Scott
Member Posts: 3337
From: Houston, TX
Registered: May 2001
|
posted 02-19-2022 09:17 AM
Very nice! |
Solrider
New Member Posts: 5
From: Huntsville
Registered: Jun 2021
|
posted 03-04-2023 06:38 PM
Thanks to all who have responded to my post! I have a couple of updates that may be of interest and would look forward to any advice/comments.Item one: I found a trove of 60 era photos in Dad's archive. Many von Braun autopen(?) signed photos. Value/authenticity, what to do with them, multiple copies? Item two: about 7-foot Saturn V model (photo earlier in post) contacted space museum and local NASA archivist without any luck finding a picture of the MSFC lobby during 70s to authenticate. Any insights would be helpful.  |
advertisement