When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
1960–1968 NASA Space Exploration Booklets · 10 Original Publications · Pre-Apollo Space Race Era · Kennedy Foreword · Astronaut Selection Document · NASA CorrespondenceDescriptionNational Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). A collection of ten original NASA publications and informational documents issued between the early 1960s and the later years of the decade, during the formative period of America’s manned space programme.Issued by NASA in Washington D.C. and Houston during the height of the Cold War space race, these publications were produced both to disseminate scientific information and to communicate the goals and achievements of the United States space programme to the public, government, and international partners.The material spans the crucial period between the first American manned missions and the approach of the Apollo moon landings, covering the development of Project Mercury, Project Gemini, and the early stages of Project Apollo.Particularly notable within the group is the NASA Educational Brief on Astronaut Selection, outlining the demanding qualifications required for the original astronaut corps. The document lists the stringent criteria used in the selection of the famous “Mercury Seven” astronauts, including age limits, engineering degrees, jet-pilot qualifications, and extensive flight hours. It offers a fascinating primary-source insight into the recruitment of the men who would become the pioneers of American spaceflight.Another highlight is “Space – The New Frontier” (1962), which opens with a foreword by President John F. Kennedy, reflecting the optimism and political commitment that characterised the early years of the American space programme following Kennedy’s historic pledge to land a man on the Moon before the end of the decade.The group also includes publications explaining the scientific and technical foundations of space exploration, including spacecraft tracking systems, orbital physics, propulsion, and the medical challenges of human spaceflight.Accompanying the publications is an original NASA transmittal slip dated October 1964, handwritten by Ellen Thompson of the Office of the Assistant Administrator for International Affairs. Addressed to David Sandell, the note references the forthcoming first manned Gemini launch, adding an appealing piece of contemporary NASA correspondence to the collection.Taken together, the group represents a well-preserved assemblage of original NASA educational and technical publications issued during one of the most exciting scientific periods of the twentieth century.Physical DescriptionFormat: Nine original NASA stapled booklets in printed wrappers and one printed educational information sheet.Size: Approximately 8vo, each between 23–25 cm tall.Condition: Very Good overall with minor handling wear consistent with age. One booklet with light pencil marks and minor cover creasing. Please examine gallery images carefully for further detail.Included Publications1. 1959 Research Progress, 32 pp. (1960) 2. NASA Astronauts, 40 pp. (1968) 3. Astronaut Selection – Educational Brief, 8 pp. (1966) 4. 1-2-3 and the Moon, outlining the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programmes (1963) 5. Medical Aspects of Space Flight, Frank E. Voris (1964) 6. Space Physics and Astronomy, William R. Corliss (1969) 7. Spacecraft Power, William R. Corliss (1970) 8. Spacecraft Tracking, William R. Corliss (1969) 9. Space – The New Frontier, 48 pp., with foreword by President John F. Kennedy (1962) 10. Space Exploration: Why and How, Edgar M. Cortright (1965)ProvenancePrivate collection compiled by David Hasdell, United Kingdom.Includes original NASA transmittal slip from Ellen Thompson (1964) and a compliments slip from the United States Embassy in London.SummaryA highly appealing group of original NASA publications documenting the formative years of the American space programme. Issued during the era of Mercury and Gemini and anticipating the Apollo moon landings, these publications capture the scientific ambition, public enthusiasm, and political importance of the early Space Age.With Kennedy’s foreword, original NASA correspondence, and the fascinating astronaut selection document, the collection represents an excellent example of Cold War space-race ephemera.Please Note
Please review all images carefully as they form an important part of the description. If you require further photographs or a more detailed condition report, please feel free to ask.
