Space Shuttle Enterprise Crew Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles
SPACE SHUTTLE ENTERPRISE CREW
The Space Shuttle Enterprise, officially designated OV-101, stands as a hallmark in the U.S. space program, although it never flew in space. However, it's noteworthy to mention that the Enterprise didn't have a singular "crew" in the traditional sense of space missions. Instead, several astronauts participated in various tests and operations associated with the shuttle.
Unveiled on September 17, 1976, the Enterprise was developed as a test vehicle for NASA's Space Shuttle program. While it never reached outer space, it played a vital role in the shuttle program's developmental tests, particularly in the approach and landing tests (ALT).
For the ALT program, the Enterprise had two main crews. Fred W. Haise served as Commander and C. Gordon Fullerton as Pilot. These astronauts were responsible for the shuttle's initial free flights where Enterprise was detached from a Boeing 747 carrier aircraft and guided to a safe landing. This series of tests validated the shuttle's flight characteristics and landing capabilities. In subsequent free flights, Joe H. Engle took on the role of Commander, with Richard H. Truly as Pilot.
The Enterprise's achievements are numerous. It was the first shuttle to undergo flight testing, starting with captive flights where it remained attached to the 747, followed by free flights. It paved the way for subsequent shuttles, validating designs and providing data that would ensure the safety and success of future spaceflights. The shuttle underwent further testing in 1979 and 1980 to assess its compatibility with new external tanks and solid rocket boosters.
Though never destined for space, the Enterprise played a crucial ambassadorial role for NASA. It traveled worldwide, helping to foster international goodwill and enthusiasm for space exploration. Notably, it appeared at the 1983 Paris Air Show and was also displayed at the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans.
In 1985, Enterprise was used to test the shuttle's ability to land using a modified technique following the Challenger disaster. Finally, the shuttle's legacy as an educational and inspirational tool continued when it became a museum piece. After being displayed at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, it was moved to New York City's Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in 2012.
Unveiled on September 17, 1976, the Enterprise was developed as a test vehicle for NASA's Space Shuttle program. While it never reached outer space, it played a vital role in the shuttle program's developmental tests, particularly in the approach and landing tests (ALT).
For the ALT program, the Enterprise had two main crews. Fred W. Haise served as Commander and C. Gordon Fullerton as Pilot. These astronauts were responsible for the shuttle's initial free flights where Enterprise was detached from a Boeing 747 carrier aircraft and guided to a safe landing. This series of tests validated the shuttle's flight characteristics and landing capabilities. In subsequent free flights, Joe H. Engle took on the role of Commander, with Richard H. Truly as Pilot.
The Enterprise's achievements are numerous. It was the first shuttle to undergo flight testing, starting with captive flights where it remained attached to the 747, followed by free flights. It paved the way for subsequent shuttles, validating designs and providing data that would ensure the safety and success of future spaceflights. The shuttle underwent further testing in 1979 and 1980 to assess its compatibility with new external tanks and solid rocket boosters.
Though never destined for space, the Enterprise played a crucial ambassadorial role for NASA. It traveled worldwide, helping to foster international goodwill and enthusiasm for space exploration. Notably, it appeared at the 1983 Paris Air Show and was also displayed at the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans.
In 1985, Enterprise was used to test the shuttle's ability to land using a modified technique following the Challenger disaster. Finally, the shuttle's legacy as an educational and inspirational tool continued when it became a museum piece. After being displayed at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, it was moved to New York City's Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in 2012.
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SPACE SHUTTLE ENTERPRISE CREW - COMMEMORATIVE ENVELOPE SIGNED WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 158135Commemorative envelope signed by astronauts Fred Haise and Gordon Fullerton features an embossed design and is postmarked Edwards, California, June 17, 1977. The envelope commemorates the Space Shuttle Enterprise and highlights their aborted flight due to computer problems.Sale Price $165.00
$200.00
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SPACE SHUTTLE ENTERPRISE CREW - COMMEMORATIVE ENVELOPE SIGNED WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 158144Envelope commemorating the Enterprise space shuttle is co-signed by Fred Wallace Haise, Jr. and Charles Gordon Fullerton. Signed with "Fred Haise" and "Gordon Fullerton", it features a blue monochrome cachet and a postmark from Edwards, California, dated October 26, 1977.
Price: $200.00
