Soyuz TM-4+5+6+7 long duration flown MIR cover - groupsigned

Exceptional Soyuz TM-4, TM-5, TM-6 & TM-7 Long-Duration MIR Flown Cover

Multiple Space Postmarks Including Rare French CNES Cancellation
Hand-Signed by 10 Cosmonauts Including Jean-Loup Chrétien, the First Frenchman in Space (Second Flight)

This is a truly stunning and historic flown cover that witnessed some of the most remarkable chapters of the Soviet MIR space station program. Carried aboard multiple Soyuz missions—TM-4 through TM-7—this cover was postmarked several times in orbit, including with the rare and highly sought-after French CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales) special postmark, commemorating France’s pivotal role in space exploration.

Historical Significance

The cover’s journey spans four critical Soyuz missions to the MIR space station in the mid-1980s, a period defined by long-duration spaceflights, international cooperation, and major advancements in orbital science. The missions TM-4 to TM-7 were instrumental in establishing MIR as a modular, continuously crewed orbital outpost that set the stage for today’s International Space Station.

Among the distinguished cosmonauts who hand-signed this cover is Jean-Loup Chrétien, the first French astronaut in space, on his second mission (Soyuz TM-7). Chrétien’s participation symbolizes the growing international collaboration that became a hallmark of the MIR program.

Key Features:

• Flown on multiple Soyuz missions (TM-4, TM-5, TM-6, TM-7) during MIR’s early and formative years

• Postmarked several times in orbit, including the rare French CNES special postmark—a prized rarity in space philately

• Hand-signed by 10 participating cosmonauts, a roster representing the core crews of these pivotal missions

• Autographs include Jean-Loup Chrétien, among other notable Soviet and international cosmonauts

• A genuine artifact of the golden era of Soviet space exploration and international space cooperation

Why This Cover Is a Must-Have

• Represents a unique confluence of multiple missions, capturing the continuous human presence aboard MIR

• Features multiple onboard cancellations, offering philatelic richness rarely matched by single-mission flown covers

• Holds a special place in European space history, thanks to the CNES postmark and Chrétien’s autograph

• A rare and prestigious collectible for enthusiasts of Soviet/Russian space history, MIR memorabilia, and international astronaut autographs

A Masterpiece of Space History and Philately

This flown MIR cover is a remarkable tribute to an era when humanity first mastered long-duration stays in orbit and began forging the international partnerships that define space exploration today. With its rich cancellations and an array of signatures from pioneering cosmonauts, this item is a prized gem for collectors worldwide.