Space Memorabilia
As we come to the end of 2025, I am really just getting started as a collector of space memorabilia. Although I have about 500 assets, many of them are common lithographs of Apollo astronauts with autopen signatures. However, I have had the opportunity to sit in on several space auctions, including the top tier Heritage Auctions.
What seems to be in high demand are authenticated signatures of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts. Older missions are preferred, and documents with multiple signatures are selling for tens of thousands of dollars in some instances. Flown items are also quite popular, with flags that belonged to astronauts commanding the highest prices. The provenance of the items increases the value, i.e., if it can be shown that they belonged to a space professional, but especially to an astronaut.
There are certain types of unsigned memorabilia that are also selling quickly, for example NASA red numbered vintage photos. It’s hard to predict what will sell and what won’t, but I am getting better at recognizing the best deals and snapping them up.
Grumman Lunar Module Documents with Grumman Design 698 Twin Tilt-Nacelle pin, twice Signed by Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise
My winnings from Lunar Legacies have arrived, and as always, do not disappoint. Signed Apollo 13 documentation directly related to the Lunar Module is among the most coveted in Apollo collecting, as it connects both to the mission's planned lunar exploration and its legendary survival story. The folder is in good condition, with some minor wear along the edges.
My first project at NASA Ames was to work on the Grumman Design 698 V/STOL aircraft, a model that came years after this document was printed. I’ve included my lapel pin, which fits right in with the images of earlier Grumman aircraft.
Two of our maps will be featured at Lunar Legacies, a space-themed auction, in January 2026. I’m not selling my collection at this time, but you can find similar items there. Docusign is the current process, but I did hang onto the original printout of my contract with FiOR Innovations. I’m trying to create a paper trail of our planetary roadmaps in a digital world, preserving the visionary memorabilia for a happier future that includes the planetary roads.
The 49th Lunar Legacies Space Memorabilia Auction will be conducted online via Invaluable and AuctionZip and will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
The auction will be fully uploaded by January 15, 2026, and bidding links will be provided at that time.
This auction will feature exceptional material from the collections of Captain Dan Brandenstein and Colonel Guy Gardner, with anticipated additions from Commander Mario Runco, along with original Apollo-era NASA mission teletypes, including Apollo 11 real-time mission communications printed during active spaceflight operations.
