STS-51 C crew – Mattingly + Onizuka

Kennedy Space Center Launch Cover – Complete Crew Hand-Signed by All 5 STS-51C Astronauts (Rare, No Autopen)

Authentic Kennedy Space Center launch cover postmarked January 24, 1985, marking the liftoff of STS-51C Discovery. Personally autographed by the full five-member crew, with no autopen signatures — a key rarity for this mission:

• Commander: Thomas K. “Ken” Mattingly II

• Pilot: Loren J. Shriver

• Mission Specialist: Ellison S. Onizuka

• Mission Specialist: James F. Buchli

• Payload Specialist: Gary E. Payton (U.S. Air Force)

Mission Significance:
STS-51C was the first dedicated Department of Defense mission in the Space Shuttle program, and many mission details remain classified. It was also the first flight of Space Shuttle Discovery dedicated entirely to a military payload. Gary Payton became the first—and to date only—U.S. Air Force Manned Spaceflight Engineer to fly in space.

Condition:
Excellent — clean KSC launch day cancellation, sharp mission cachet, and bold, clear autographs from the entire crew.

Collector’s Note:
STS-51C crew autographs are among the harder Shuttle signatures to obtain in complete form. Most available examples suffer from autopen signatures, particularly for Mattingly and Payton. This genuine, complete hand-signed cover is a premium find for collectors seeking authentic, unmanned (non-autopen) astronaut signatures.