Space News
space history and artifacts articles

Messages
space history discussion forums

Sightings
worldwide astronaut appearances

Resources
selected space history documents

  collectSPACE: Messages
  Autographs
  Signing experience: 2013 NASA astronauts

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
profile | register | preferences | faq | search

next newest topic | next oldest topic
Author Topic:   Signing experience: 2013 NASA astronauts
Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member

Posts: 3462
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 07-10-2013 11:51 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Hart Sastrowardoyo   Click Here to Email Hart Sastrowardoyo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Received two autographs from Andrew Morgan, a candid as well as a portrait photo, about a month after my request was sent.

Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member

Posts: 3462
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 07-13-2013 11:01 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Hart Sastrowardoyo   Click Here to Email Hart Sastrowardoyo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Tyler N. "Nick" Hague, his submitted photo to NASA. Don't know why it's dedicated "To Bob," but just remember: He's the deputy in charge of defeating IEDs. Don't that make you feel warm and safe.

And yes, if a cover or photo turns up with my name on it, I'll gladly switch.

Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member

Posts: 3462
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 07-19-2013 12:04 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Hart Sastrowardoyo   Click Here to Email Hart Sastrowardoyo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Christina M. Hammock, a photo from her days at the other end of the earth. Sent 19 June by Express Mail, claimed 27 June (and after I nudged them), postmarked 12 July, received today, 19 July.

Interestingly, she kept one of the two photos I sent her.

Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member

Posts: 3462
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 07-29-2013 12:18 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Hart Sastrowardoyo   Click Here to Email Hart Sastrowardoyo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Jessica U. Meir, a photo sent a little more than a month ago, postmarked July 26 (and someone dropped it off at a Post Office, based on the markings and labels), received today.

And like Hammock, Meir kept one of the photos I sent her, that of her at JSC.

Greggy_D
Member

Posts: 1007
From: Michigan
Registered: Jul 2006

posted 07-29-2013 12:32 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Greggy_D   Click Here to Email Greggy_D     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Hart Sastrowardoyo:
And like Hammock, Meir kept one of the photos I sent her.
Is it a normal practice to keep extra photos?

Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member

Posts: 3462
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 07-29-2013 02:36 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Hart Sastrowardoyo   Click Here to Email Hart Sastrowardoyo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I don't think it's standard practice, but I've rarely been asked for my autograph so I don't know.

Maybe they only wanted one signed because they're not "full" astronauts yet? Or they don't want the extras going for sale? Or they don't like the other photos I sent? Or they haven't seen the other photos I sent and wanted them as a souvenir? Your guess is as good as mine.

Greggy_D
Member

Posts: 1007
From: Michigan
Registered: Jul 2006

posted 07-29-2013 08:50 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Greggy_D   Click Here to Email Greggy_D     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Regardless, they could have returned the extras unsigned.

Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member

Posts: 3462
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 07-29-2013 09:33 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Hart Sastrowardoyo   Click Here to Email Hart Sastrowardoyo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Ah, would be nice but it's a risk to get anything back, signed or unsigned. I've sent plenty of photos (and inquiries as to whether or not I can send stuff) out, never to see them again. After all, it is unsolicited mail. To send it back is a nice gesture (and builds goodwill), but they (and other astronauts) are under no obligation to do so.

That said, there's one astronaut whom I'd love to get my photos back, but only because I paid to get a picture printed. (I had to special order the photo.)

Bob M
Member

Posts: 1845
From: Atlanta-area, GA USA
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 07-30-2013 09:46 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Bob M   Click Here to Email Bob M     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hart has done very well in obtaining autographs of four of the eight new NASA Group 21 Ascans even before they have reported to JSC. I have not done as well, with three returns (Hague, Morgan and Meir), but with one in question.

Shown here are signed covers by Jessica Meir and Andrew Morgan (in gold pen). My Morgan autographs differ greatly from Hart's (see his above) and there is some concern that someone else may have signed for him after he left his home in Virginia for Texas (I mailed my request to Morgan in VA about 3-weeks after Hart mailed his). The initials in front of Morgan's signature may indicate that someone else signed for him, as in the manner of secretaries adding their initials when officially signing for their bosses.

Another collector has had the same results as I and I wonder if others have received autographs from Morgan? Time may tell if Dr. Morgan may have used two different styles of signatures.

Shuttle Endeavour
Member

Posts: 238
From: Cape Canaveral, FL, USA
Registered: Aug 2013

posted 08-06-2013 10:54 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Shuttle Endeavour   Click Here to Email Shuttle Endeavour     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
What is the best way to request autographs from NASA's Astronaut Class of 2013. Can I send it with the name "Astronaut Class of 2013" or should I send a letter to each one?

Mike Z
Member

Posts: 451
From: Ellicott City, Maryland
Registered: Dec 2005

posted 08-07-2013 01:10 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Mike Z   Click Here to Email Mike Z     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have always written to each astronaut an individual letter. I check their bio and mention something about them. I look to see where they come from and to see if we have anything in common like sports because I was in sports and the astronaut may like of play a sport or lift weights like I do.

I always thank them in the beginning and again, in closing. I always use their Rank (Major) or their Title (Doctor), when possible. I'm happy there are only eight in this class!!

Shuttle Endeavour
Member

Posts: 238
From: Cape Canaveral, FL, USA
Registered: Aug 2013

posted 08-07-2013 01:39 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Shuttle Endeavour   Click Here to Email Shuttle Endeavour     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Ok. Thanks. Should I send in pictures or will they supply them?

Tykeanaut
Member

Posts: 2226
From: Worcestershire, England, UK.
Registered: Apr 2008

posted 08-07-2013 07:24 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Tykeanaut   Click Here to Email Tykeanaut     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
In my past experiences NASA have always supplied them, but be careful they don't send autopens. I usually ask for a dedication which very often results in an actual signature.

Shuttle Endeavour
Member

Posts: 238
From: Cape Canaveral, FL, USA
Registered: Aug 2013

posted 08-27-2013 08:13 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Shuttle Endeavour   Click Here to Email Shuttle Endeavour     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I just sent out letters to the 2013 Astronaut candidates. This is the first time I sent to JSC. How long should I expect them to respond?

Neil DC
Member

Posts: 193
From: Middletown, NJ, USA
Registered: May 2010

posted 08-27-2013 09:23 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Neil DC   Click Here to Email Neil DC     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
When the group was first announced I sent out cards to sign (with SASEs) to the best addresses I could find for each of them. Like some others I received signed cards back from Morgan, Hammock and Meir.

Yesterday I received via NASA a card signed by Nick Hague. A fifty percent success rate thus far I think is pretty good for a new group, even before they arrived in Houston.

Shuttle Endeavour
Member

Posts: 238
From: Cape Canaveral, FL, USA
Registered: Aug 2013

posted 01-05-2014 02:57 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Shuttle Endeavour   Click Here to Email Shuttle Endeavour     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have used the JSC address and had no success. Should I try to search for better addresses? Does JSC send out autographs yet? Also, do astronauts still have business cards like those in the Apollo era?

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 50028
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 01-05-2014 03:04 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Sorry you haven't had any response but JSC is the only address to use for active astronauts. Keep in mind that the 2013 astronaut candidates are still in basic training, they do not have portrait lithos and are generally limited from interacting with the public (or at least public relations) until they graduate.

I believe astronauts, like all NASA employees, still have the option to order business cards, but unless you have business with them it is poor form to request them.

cycleroadie
Member

Posts: 454
From: Apalachin, NY USA
Registered: May 2011

posted 01-05-2014 03:36 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for cycleroadie   Click Here to Email cycleroadie     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Shuttle Endeavour:
I have used the JSC address and had no success.
It's all about patience. Astronauts are always busy, I have sent many requests to JSC and probably only get back about 50% of them, and some take many, many months to come back.

vamanboatin
Member

Posts: 281
From: Vienna, VA
Registered: Mar 2004

posted 01-25-2014 06:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for vamanboatin   Click Here to Email vamanboatin     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I will be attending the "Meet The New Astronauts Class Of 2013" event at the National Air and Space Museum. I am hoping there will be an opportunity to have a dramatic photograph signed. I would want it to be relative to there future missions. I am looking for suggestions.

If available I would also like to find a Class of 2013 photo of all in there blue flight suits. I would need it by January 30. Any advice on where to find one?

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 50028
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 01-25-2014 06:51 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
NASA's 2013 Astronaut Class photo set can be found here, including a group shot of the eight (in business suits).

Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member

Posts: 3462
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 01-26-2014 07:56 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Hart Sastrowardoyo   Click Here to Email Hart Sastrowardoyo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have a litho of the Space Launch System liftoff that I had signed by Rubins and Aunon, and will carry around to get signed by the post-shuttle (e.g., post Group 19) astronauts. It has a nice light background, as opposed to the black space background of the Orion capsule litho that would make autographing it a challenge.

That said, let me throw out that it has been difficult to get autographs at the National Air and Space Museum during astronaut appearances. If you get one, great, if not, enjoy their appearance.

opns93
Member

Posts: 41
From: Butler, NJ
Registered: Jun 2014

posted 09-20-2014 02:05 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for opns93     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have sent a request for a autograph and it has currently been 157 days since mailed.

Neil DC
Member

Posts: 193
From: Middletown, NJ, USA
Registered: May 2010

posted 01-17-2015 09:10 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Neil DC   Click Here to Email Neil DC     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Looks like this class is finally sending out signed lithos. I received ones from Tyler Hague and Anne McClain respectively.

Wonder how others are doing? Heard that Andrew Morgan had sent some out too. No news on Cassada, Glover or Mann successes. They must be close to graduating if they haven't already.

opns93
Member

Posts: 41
From: Butler, NJ
Registered: Jun 2014

posted 01-17-2015 11:58 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for opns93     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I received Andrew Morgan's official NASA portrait as well. Looks promising for the remainder.

Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member

Posts: 3462
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 11-02-2015 12:15 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Hart Sastrowardoyo   Click Here to Email Hart Sastrowardoyo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
After two plus years, I received today my photo I sent Anne McClain — I don't remember if I sent her one or two, most likely two - as well as an unasked blue flight suit portrait of her.

McCain and some of the others are doing public appearances, so maybe we'll see some more returns of items sent to them two years ago. (Most likely my photo was sent to her home address when I made the request in July 2013. My return envelope was not postmarked, but I presume it came back from JSC.)

lspooz
Member

Posts: 461
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Aug 2012

posted 11-02-2015 04:59 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for lspooz   Click Here to Email lspooz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
So far from my well-planned requests to the 8-Balls all sent May 2014, I count myself fortunate to have had three signatures through the mail (Morgan, Hague, McClain) so I'll keep my fingers crossed on the other five now that initial training is completed.

Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member

Posts: 3462
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 09-15-2016 10:54 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Hart Sastrowardoyo   Click Here to Email Hart Sastrowardoyo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Nicole Mann signed last Saturday at an event in Arlington, Va. Really happy for this as I wrote her when she was announced and didn't get a reply.

Neil DC
Member

Posts: 193
From: Middletown, NJ, USA
Registered: May 2010

posted 12-14-2016 10:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Neil DC   Click Here to Email Neil DC     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Out of the blue received my first NASA envelope in absolutely ages. It was a signed portrait of Christina Koch. Was quite amazed and delighted.

Still missing Glover and Cassada through the mail. Who would have thought that these eight would have proved so challenging to collect, three years after selection?

Bob M
Member

Posts: 1845
From: Atlanta-area, GA USA
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 12-18-2016 10:10 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Bob M   Click Here to Email Bob M     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Congratulations on your success, Neil. I'm still waiting on my return from Christina Koch/Hammock after two years. I've only received autographs through the mail from the Class of 2013 from Tyler Hague, Anne McClain, Jessica Meir and Andrew Morgan. A friend is to help me with an autograph from Nicole Mann who he got autographs from in person.

From my experiences, only about five of the eight Class of 2013 Astronauts have signed to any extent, with Josh Cassada being perhaps the least cooperative.

But maybe these newer Classes of NASA Astronauts have some reason for being such reluctant signers, as often their newly signed material quickly appears on eBay for sale. There is one very long-time dealer who obviously gets their autographs just for sale on eBay and has done his part in discouraging the newer astronauts from signing for real collectors.

Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member

Posts: 3462
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 08-11-2017 11:25 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Hart Sastrowardoyo   Click Here to Email Hart Sastrowardoyo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Not the best pen to use, but through a trade I got an in-person Victor Glover. I'm assuming the "XXI" stands for his astronaut class (Group 21).

I know Cassada made in-person appearances as well, so there's got to be one in the wild, somewhere...

Bob M
Member

Posts: 1845
From: Atlanta-area, GA USA
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 12-08-2017 08:41 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Bob M   Click Here to Email Bob M     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Just received two autographs from NASA Group 21 astronaut Cristina Koch (nee Hammock) from a request sent to her in January 2015 at JSC.

So after mail-in requests to all eight Group 21 NASA astronauts and with the Koch return, finally have autographs of all eight Group 21'ers. Five of the eight signers responded by mail, but with two reluctant signers, Josh Cassada and Victor Glover, I had to buy their signed portraits and another reluctant signer, Nicole Mann, her autograph was a gift from a collector friend.

Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member

Posts: 3462
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 03-01-2023 02:47 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Hart Sastrowardoyo   Click Here to Email Hart Sastrowardoyo     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Still missing Cassada, who is currently on orbit. I'll try JSC once he lands.

All times are CT (US)

next newest topic | next oldest topic

Administrative Options: Close Topic | Archive/Move | Delete Topic
Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | The Source for Space History & Artifacts

Copyright 2023 collectSPACE.com All rights reserved.


Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.47a





advertisement