space exploration

371. Venera 4 Model. Rare custom model of the Venera 4, a probe in the Soviet Venera program for the exploration of Venus, which, in 1967, became the first successful probe to perform in-place analysis of the environment of another planet. This highly detailed handmade model is constructed of metal and resin composite elements, stands 9.5˝ in height, extends to 9˝ in width, and is set upon a wooden 4.75˝ x 4.75˝ base with an affixed plate reading: “Automatic Interplanetary Station Venera-4, 1967.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200

370. Sputnik 1 Model. Wonderful 1:4 scale model of the important Soviet Sputnik-1 satellite on a handsome curved aluminum stand, measuring approximately 19.5˝ tall, with a plaque on the black lacquer 9.75˝ x 11.75˝ base reading, “Sputnik-1 Model, The first artificial Earth satellite, USSR October, 4, 1957.” The body of the model is constructed of polished aluminum with four 18.25˝ long polished steel antennas. The model precisely portrays the antennas and brackets, hatches, and head mounting screws. In fine condition. A handsome piece representing the birth of the ‘Space Race.’ Starting Bid $300

372. Buzz Aldrin Original ‘Starcraft Boosters’ Diagram Sketch. Interesting original entitled “Starcraft Boosters Int’l” diagram sketch by Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin, accomplished in pencil on an off-white 11 x 8.5 sheet of notebook paper, signed below with his phone and fax numbers, “Dr. Buzz Aldrin, 208-622-3883, fax - 5520.” Organized in a graph-like format with horizontal axis “Grow in Potential” data and vertical axis “Good Ideas” data, the diagram contains sketches of spacecraft like “Zenit, 2 & 3 stages, fully expendable,” “Starcraft Booster, Reusable Zenit 1st stage,” and “Twin Star Booster.” Aldrin makes note of “Next generation flyback 1st stage” and “Space Shuttle upgrades,” and, in the upper right, draws arrows pointing to “Moon,” “Cyclers,” and “Mars,” with what appears to be a small capsule sketch in the corner. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200

373. Buzz Aldrin Handwritten Draft for ‘Space Station Eagle’. Fascinating handwritten draft of a project synopsis by Buzz Aldrin entitled “Science Station Eagle, Offers More at Less Cost,” penned in black ink on two 8.5 x 11 notebook pages, June 16, 1993, with Aldrin signing his name a total of four times, twice to the top of each sheet. The project summary reads: “Eagle can be separated into two distinct orbital elements. One—Eagle HAB (Permanent Habitation – 3 grows to 6), can be connected to Russian Mir station for long or short periods / Two—Eagle MIKE (Sensitive Micro-gravity Science Lab) can be connected to Eagle HAB and/or Mir or fly separately unoccupied without human disturbances (visited from orbit without requiring a Shuttle launch).” Aldrin proceeds to list the six changes and then draws detailed, annotated sketches of both the “Eagle HAB” and the “Eagle MIKE” to the bottom half of the second sheet. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200

Signed Litho-

Limited edition 15 x 25 lithograph of Neil Armstrong in his flight suit prior to the Apollo 11 mission, numbered 243/1000, signed in pencil by history’s first moonwalker. Also signed in pencil by the artist, Paul Calle, beneath his preprinted signature. Attractively matted and framed to an overall size of 22 x 32. In fine condition. This handsome, highly desirable item is the only individual print edition that Armstrong signed and remains among the most sought-after of all NASA-related lithographs. Starting Bid $300

Scarce ‘Earthrise’ image signed by the first moonwalker

Photograph Outstanding color satin-finish 10 x 8 red-numbered NASA photo of the Apollo 11 ‘Earthrise,’ signed in blue felt tip, “Neil Armstrong, Apollo 11.” Reverse bears purple NASA caption text and “This Paper Manufactured by Kodak” watermarks. In fine condition, with a tiny surface ding to the black sky beneath the earth. A rare image signed by the first moonwalker. Starting Bid $200