A fine autograph collection could be built around the true heroes on the ground in simulators and at computer terminals -- fellow astronauts, test pilots, technicians, programmers, etc. -- who found the solutions that really saved that flight.

Apollo 13 was intended to be the third landing on the moon. It was commanded by Lovell, with Fred Haise as Lunar Module Pilot and the late Jack Swigert substituted at the last minute for Ken Mattingly in the Command Module Pilot's seat. I've covered Lovell under Apollo 8. Haise has been good to collectors for three decades now, and thankfully shows no signs of changing. [Note: In the time since this article was published, Haise has reportedly refused all mail requests.] A former NASA test pilot at Edwards who later commanded several flights of the Shuttle Enterprise, he must have been terribly disappointed to train so hard and then just get to make one pass around the backside of the moon, all because a cheap piece of wire burned through.

Fortunately, he hasn't taken it out on collectors.

A polite request and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) will generally yield a nice personalized 8x10 NASA litho of him in his Apollo suit, with an added inscription list of his flights. He doesn't charge to sign photos you supply (usually personalized) and covers or other items -- and very quickly at that!

But use a little common sense. If the man is deluged with requests, all containing piles of stuff, he's going to get disgusted and maybe stop signing altogether. Send at most a couple of items, then if you've got something else you'd like signed, wait six months or more and write again.

Haise's signature has not changed markedly over the years. The "F" just becomes more flamboyant if he has more space.

The late Congressman Jack Swigert was the one pre-shuttle astronaut whose genuine signature I could never successfully obtain. His signature is comparatively scarce, as he was an unknown rookie plugged into the Apollo 13 crew at the last minute, but this scarcity is not reflected as much in the price as if he had been CMP on a successful landing. I do have one autopen, but it's better not to muddy the waters by showing it.

Stamps and covers

The United States, former USSR, Russia and most other countries that have astronauts/cosmonauts, as well as many countries that do not, have issued stamps honoring the achievements of their space heroes (I've designed hundreds for a couple dozen countries myself). The U.S. is coming out with a blockbuster (and budget buster) space issue later this year, and many astronauts will sign these mint stamps or First Day Covers.

Current U.S. stamps can be purchased at your post office, but older ones, and any covers, must be obtained from dealers or collectors who have duplicates. Check with your library or newspaper to see if there is a stamp club in your area and also where the nearest stamp show is taking place. Or, if you're very lucky, there may be a stamp shop within driving distance.

Space covers are envelopes postmarked at a space-related site on the day of an event in space (such as a launch), usually with a related design on the envelope. These are also excellent for signing.

Philatelic items

For many years the astronauts were as willing to sign blocks of stamps and covers as anything else, and collecting them was very popular. At some event, however, Neil Armstrong saw people selling covers and blocks of the "First Man on the Moon" U.S. stamp -- which he had just signed -- for fabulous prices. He pretty much stopped signing philatelic items altogether at that point.

In mid-1972 the scandal broke about all the covers the crew of Apollo 15 had been paid to carry to the moon for a German dealer. This ended the carrying of covers by U.S. spacefarers for decades, and some astronauts decided immediately to stop signing philatelic items.

In the ensuing years, many others (including some Shuttle astronauts) have discontinued signing these items. Some, like Duke and Stafford for example, charge a premium.

Odd & oversize items

Unless I've specified otherwise, prices quoted in this Apollo article series generally apply to 8x10 photographs, thin NASA brochures, one-page typescripts and the like, and stamps and covers.

Rolled posters, baseballs, coffee table books, figurines and other items which require special attention in packing and unpacking or which exceed the new Postal Service security weight for pickup by the carrier (requiring a trip to the P.O. for mailing) usually are charged a higher fee. I'd advise sending a note of inquiry first to the astronaut, along with a stamped, addressed postcard for reply.

Collector cards

There is a series of space cards (similar to baseball cards) which a number of the astronauts flatly refuse to sign, while some others will only sign them for a high premium. My advice is to avoid cards. A signed 8x10 is far more impressive, and if you ever change your collecting interests you will probably be able to get back your signing fee.

Books

Many of the astronauts I've discussed (and others I haven't) have written books -- stories of their careers, fiction, sometimes both, even some poetry.

While your local bookstore should probably be your first source, I have had wonderful results from Edward R. Hamilton (Falls Village, CT 06031-5000). He has remainders at fabulous discounts, current books at discount, and has his catalog online at www.hamiltonbook.com. He also sends out a newspaper-like catalog, so write and get on his list.

I use a bubble pack envelope for the return. They cost a bit, but with a little care in opening you can get several uses out of most of them. Try to get a size that doesn't allow the book to shift around much. I do my mailings in a Tyvek outer envelope which is folded and taped so it holds the contents snugly.

If you're collecting on a budget, as most of us are, you'll probably want to use book rate both ways. Make sure you mark everything "Book Rate" boldly and mention you are using book rate in your letter. More than once a well-meaning astronaut or secretary has kindly made up the Priority Mail rate and I've been embarrassed on seeing the envelope and felt I had to rush repayment back to them.

More or less current books include:

• "Countdown," by Frank Borman. this book's been around for more than a decade, but was heavily remaindered, and should be easy and inexpensive to track down in a used bookstore. I understand Borman asks the same $50.00 St. Andrews Church donation. At that price I guess you could specify whether or not you want it personalized!
• "Last Man on the Moon," by Gene Cernan. Cernan usually signs and personalizes his book without charge (be sure to enclose SASE). He's been doing book tours ever since the very successful book came out, so he's sort of slow to respond. Have a little patience.
• "Lost Moon," by Jim Lovell. An excellent book. You'll want to read it as well as send it out for signing. Lovell is generally quick to respond and signs and personalizes, no charge.
• "Schirra's Space," by Wally Schirra. I have no information on this one, but I bet he wouldn't charge to sign his book.