|
Author
|
Topic: What is today's astronaut-flown memento?
|
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 47093
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 09-23-2021 11:03 AM
   
What would you say is the memento, if anything, that today's astronauts fly for themselves (or as gifts) that is common across missions?In the Mercury program, it was dollar bills. In Gemini, it was the Fliteline medallions. For most of Apollo, it was covers and on all missions, Robbins medallions, which extended through the space shuttle program. Is there anything today that falls into that category? What is the astronauts' flown collectible today? |
Liembo
Member Posts: 738
From: Bothell, WA
Registered: Jan 2013
|
posted 09-23-2021 11:28 AM
For the Shuttle and ISS-era, I see a lot of college/military mementos (flags, scarves, clothing).
|
garymilgrom
Member Posts: 2062
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Feb 2007
|
posted 09-23-2021 01:33 PM
Great question. I think personal jewelry that is then gifted to the original owner. Pins, rings — especially wedding rings etc. Astronauts try to share their experience with others instead of memorializing it for themselves. Perhaps. 🤔 |
Philip
Member Posts: 6104
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001
|
posted 10-02-2021 03:18 AM
For themselves, their personal wristwatch! Lots of examples here. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 47093
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 10-02-2021 08:41 AM
Watches and jewelry are nice examples of flown mementos, but they aren't part of a series like the covers and medallions of earlier tradition. There is nothing, it would seem, that links today's spaceflights to each other. Maybe a new custom will begin with the Artemis crews that will reestablish the chain missing today. |
OV-105
Member Posts: 869
From: Ridgecrest, CA
Registered: Sep 2000
|
posted 10-02-2021 05:00 PM
Are they still doing Robbins medallions for ISS flights? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 47093
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 10-02-2021 08:52 PM
The most recent Robbins I have seen is ISS Expedition 57, so I presume they are continuing. That said, I was told as far back as STS-135 that they have ceased flying the medallions and only fly ingots from which flown medallions are later struck (I haven't been able to verify that, though). |
advertisement