posted 07-01-2009 08:23 PM              

1. I didn't write to Neil Armstrong back in 1982 and ask him to sign a WSS litho, and

2. I wish I didn't have to have regret #1.

Strange how a signed WSS litho can do that to a space nut!

But, with prices so high for his autograph, with so many forgeries around, the fact is that I know I will never have one for my wall. I just can't afford it.

Mind you, I can't afford a Collins or a Young. I don't have a Bean (pun intended!).

As we approach the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11, as we reflect on what a great technological event it was, how it changed the world, where we were when that first small step was being taken, etc., etc., can I please urge all of you out there who like to collect astronaut autographs to write to as many current astronauts as you can now.

Don't wait 20 years. One of the astronauts from the current ranks is probably going to be the next person on the moon... get in there now before the rush starts around the time of the next lunar landing and after. Hedge your bets!

posted 07-02-2009 08:15 AM               

As for the future moonwalkers, you are right and just yesterday I mailed letters requesting autographs to all current NASA astronauts who I am likely to get a reply from (I didn't waste stamps on those I know don't reply!).

I did a bit of study before I sent and I narrowed down the list of active astronauts and worked out the 20 or so who are most likely to walk on the moon in the future (for example some are the right age, others have expressed a desire to stay with NASA for the Constellation program and of course there will be a woman on the next mission to land on the moon and so I had to include some of the current female astronauts who would be perfect for the job!

posted 07-02-2009 09:10 AM               

I was fortunate, I started writing the astronauts while the later moon missions were going on and received many of their autographs and a whole pile of autopens. (I had a known dealer in Astro autographs go through everything before it became the business it is now).

I never obtained the autographs with the intent of their financial value but simply because I enjoyed them. Being the kid that I was I remember tacking some to my walls, taking the others to school to pass around, etc., especially the Apollo 15 signed crew litho. It was always a big hit as the Rover was a popular thing with the guys. Now, these same are stored in archival sleeves and are rarely handled.