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  How to address astronauts and what to write?

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Author Topic:   How to address astronauts and what to write?
Silent Sea
Member

Posts: 36
From:
Registered: Mar 2015

posted 03-14-2015 05:20 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Silent Sea     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
My question has to do with not the addressing of the envelope, but with the letter itself. I notice that many times when astronaut write forewords, etc. for books they'll include the military rank they were when retired. Is that how I should address them in the letter or is just the name appropriate?

This next question is a bit more nebulous. In addition to a polite request for an autograph, what else have you guys included in a letter? I have been most inspired by those early days of space exploration and the moon landings, but I was born many years after, so it's not like I can include a personal story about it. My interest in this part of history has also been fairly recent so any input you folks might provide would be helpful.

RichieB16
Member

Posts: 552
From: Oregon
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 03-14-2015 06:55 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for RichieB16   Click Here to Email RichieB16     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I usually address them by military rank, or if they have a doctorate, by Dr. If its neither: Mr/Mrs.

As for what to put in the letter, that's gotta be from you. You may want to briefly mention why you are interested in them and/or in the program. Personally, I like to ask a question or two in my letters.

Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member

Posts: 3445
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 03-15-2015 08:12 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Hart Sastrowardoyo   Click Here to Email Hart Sastrowardoyo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The important word here is 'brief.' You don't need to write them a multi-page letter recounting their work history at NASA and what it meant to you. They may have assistants (or they themselves) who will just look for your item and a SASE, or just look for your address, and place it in a pile for the astronaut to sign.

If it's an intriguing or compelling letter, they may place it aside. But in the past I've gotten an item signed along with a form letter from an astronaut with the opening graf, "I'm sorry for this, but I get so many requests that this is the only way I can respond. I hope this answers some of the more frequent questions I've been asked."

And for authentic responses, sometimes I've gotten one or two word responses on my letter, sometimes a bit longer. But in either case, keep in mind the number of autographs they must be signing and the limited time they have.

All times are CT (US)

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