Some random astronaut thoughts

[Aldrin]

With time on my hands during my break, I've got to thinking............

 

Since Autographica started in May 2000, we've had 19 Apollo-era astronauts (20 if you include Bruce McCandless who I think was an Apollo 11 capcom) attend the shows.

 

Every manned Apollo mission has been represented, along with all the Skylab’s and the ASTP too.

 

6 of the 12 moonwalkers.

 

One complete crew (but at different times - Apollo 9)

 

Heading the list of appearances is Al Worden, on 6.

 

4 - Dick Gordon

 

3 - Ed Mitchell, Gerry Carr, Charlie Duke, Dave Scott

 

2 - Al Bean, Walt Cunningham, Ed Gibson, Jack Lousma, Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell (+Bruce McCandless)

 

1 - Paul Weitz, Rusty Schweikart, Fred Haise, Gene Cernan, Jim McDivitt, Vance Brand and Tom Stafford.

 

(Other worthy mentions are Scott Carpenter 4 times and Alexi Leonev 3)

 

Astronauts still alive who haven't attended are

 

Bill Anders

Frank Borman

John Young

Neil Armstrong

Mike Collins

Ken Mattingly

Harrison Schmitt

Joe Kerwin

Owen Garriott

Bill Pogue

(another notable would be John Glenn)

 

I guess we can forget Neil and Bill Anders, who specifically don't sign. John Young I hear signs only to a contracted dealer, Frank Borman and Mike Collins do sign but they seem reluctant figures. Ken Mattingly I haven't heard a thing about for a long time, and I don't know the status of Joe, Owen or Bill (or indeed John Glenn). So although I’m really delighted seeing any of the astronauts above personally I would put in a request for Harrison Schmitt and/or Frank Borman. Just my tuppence worth.

[Count Fooku]

I think Owen Garriot did a recent mail in signing with the ASF so I don't think he is completely opposed to the idea of signing his name on a picture for money. As I understand it John Glenn will happily sign both in person and through the mail but does not agree with charging a fee for it.

 

I tend to think that for an Astronaut to attend Autographica they would have done at least one ASF show first which I think sadly rules out the first seven on your second list. As I understand Mike Collins appearance at a signing event in the US was a personal favour to the organisers and is exceedingly unlikely to be repeated.

 

I did post a list in the guest request thread but I would certainly like to add Joe Kerwin to that list. Then again I wouldn't say no to any of the Astronauts listed in the first list either!

[Avengers7]

Well speaking as someone who doesnt meet the astonauts, even I would pay good money to see the following if they came to Autographica;-

 

Michael Collins

Neil Armstrong

Buzz Aldrin

John Glenn

 

Not holding out much hope though unfortunately.

[Count Fooku]

Buzz isn't at all out of the question, he's a regular at the bigger American shows and as Ted said he has been over here a couple of times. Always the question of the fee where Buzzleworth is concerned though!

[descartes]

I think Owen Garriot did a recent mail in signing with the ASF so I don't think he is completely opposed to the idea of signing his name on a picture for money. As I understand it John Glenn will happily sign both in person and through the mail but does not agree with charging a fee for it.

 

I think that Owen Garriot could be a possible, in the light of his recent mail in signing for ASF, and there are clearly close links with ASF and Autographica.

 

When ASF started the mail in signings, I wrote to them about the possibility of a John Glann mail in. They were not at all positive about achieving this, even though he has previously signed items for them. So I guess that would be a pointer the unlikely possibility of persuading him to do an autograph show.