STS-61 A crew – mission patch cover

Kennedy Space Center Launch Cover – Hand-Signed by the Entire STS-61A Crew (Rare)

Authentic Kennedy Space Center launch cover postmarked October 30, 1985, commemorating the liftoff of STS-61A Challenger. Personally autographed by all eight crew members — the largest crew to ever fly on a single space mission:

• Commander: Henry W. “Hank” Hartsfield Jr.

• Pilot: Steven R. Nagel

• Mission Specialist: Bonnie J. Dunbar

• Mission Specialist: James F. Buchli

• Mission Specialist: Guion S. Bluford Jr.

• Payload Specialist: Reinhard Furrer (Germany – DLR)

• Payload Specialist: Ernst Messerschmid (Germany – DLR)

• Payload Specialist: Wubbo J. Ockels (Netherlands – ESA)

Mission Significance:
Known as Spacelab D-1, STS-61A was the first and only shuttle mission to be operated under the direction of a foreign country (West Germany) and remains unique for its fully international science team. The crew conducted more than 75 experiments in microgravity, materials science, life sciences, and technology.

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

Collector’s Note:
Full crew-signed STS-61A covers are scarce, valued for their historical importance as the only shuttle mission run by a foreign space agency and for the inclusion of notable international astronauts. A prime collectible combining philatelic rarity with shuttle-era history.