Ladies and gentlemen, Odysseus has landed.
Although from this angle, it's a little hard to tell.
This week the U.S returned to the Moon for the first time since 1972.It's a major moment in space history.
The Odysseus lander is the first commercially manufactured and operated space vehicle in history to touch down on the lunar surface.
Even if the landing was a little less than smooth.
Odysseus crash-landed, breaking one of its legs, flipped onto its side and went into 'hibernation' mode.
Which just shows that even today, with all our modern technology, landing on the moon is incredibly tricky.
And that makes what happened 52 years ago even more remarkable.
Because the last time the U.S.A successfully landed on the Moon, it looked a little more spectacular...
Apollo 17.
In December 1972, Gene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt became the 11th and 12th humans in history to explore the lunar surface, whilst Command Module pilot Ronald Evans orbited above them.No-one has followed them since.
It was the final mission of the Apollo programme - perhaps the greatest achievement in human history.
And just before he returned to the Challenger lunar module, Cernan made one final statement. These were the last words ever spoken on the Moon:
"I'm on the surface; and, as I take man's last step from the surface, back home for some time to come – but we believe not too long into the future – I'd like to just [say] what I believe history will record.
"That America's challenge of today has forged man's destiny of tomorrow. And, as we leave the Moon at Taurus–Littrow, we leave as we came and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind."
It's a message of hope that has endured for over 50 years.
And whoever follows them next has a lot to live up to.
Today it seems fitting to celebrate the Apollo 17 crew and their place in history, as the next generation of brave astronauts prepares to walk in their footsteps.
And I have an excellent item that will let you do just that.
An exceptional signed photograph.
An official NASA 8” x 10” colour portrait of the Apollo 17 crew.
It features crew members Gene Cernan, Harrison Schmitt and Ronald Evans posing with the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV).
The photo is in fine condition, with a slight paperclip impression to the top edge, and light toning on the border.
It's personally inscribed “To Fred Sevfert, with our best wishes and many thanks, Ron Evans”.
Evans and Cernan have both signed in black ink, with Schmitt signing in black felt tip.
All three signatures are of good quality, and guaranteed 100% authentic.
The publicity photograph was taken on August 28, 1972, during the official rollout of the Apollo 17 Saturn V rocket at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.
Given the date this photograph was published, it's highly likely it was signed in-period by the crew - perhaps even before the mission took place.
The reverse features the official NASA logo, along with details of the upcoming mission and a description of the newly-designed Apollo 17 emblem.Ironically, it says the emblem includes gold “to symbolize the golden age of space flight that will begin with this Apollo XVII lunar landing”.
As we now know, that "golden age of spaceflight" has taken a little longer to get going than NASA expected.
But the future now looks bright, and within a few years a new generation will be inspired by humankind's next giant leap into space.
So I'd argue there's never been a better moment in the last 50 years to start collecting space memorabilia.
Own this signed photograph today.
This is a very good piece for any space and aviation collection.An official vintage NASA photo in fine condition, with three good autographs signed in-period circa 1972.
The crew of Apollo 17 will always be remembered, as we return to the Moon and beyond.
And as we do, I believe items like this photo will only gain in value and importance.
Let me add that this is the last Apollo 17 signed piece I have available.
They are becoming harder and harder to source, as the demand for historic space memorabilia continues to grow.
So if you wish to add these three heroic names to your collection, I'd suggest you act now.
You can purchase it today for only £2,995.
Purchase this item now
You can also place your order by contacting me directly.
- Simply email me at info@paulfrasercollectibles.com
- Or call me on +44 (0) 1534 639 998.
And I'll ensure it's sent out to you as quickly as possible.
Your personal guarantee.
You can place your order today in complete confidence.
Because this Apollo 17 crew-signed photograph comes with:
- Free global delivery
- A Lifetime Guarantee of Authenticity
- And a Paul Fraser Collectibles Certificate of Authenticity
It's also covered by our 28-day returns policy.
So if you decide it's not right for you, you're free to return it - no questions asked.
I've been helping clients build their collections for 45 years.
So if you have any questions about this piece, get in touch today.
Email me now at info@paulfrasercollectibles.com.
Or call me on +44 (0) 1534 639 998.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Until next time,
Paul Fraser.
P.S. The Odysseus landing is just the start of another 'golden age' of space flight, which will certainly see an increase in the value of space memorabilia. So if you buy good pieces now, you'll be in the perfect place to profit in the future.
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