Remarkable petition-style TLS signed in various inks by 15 astronauts, including the original Mercury Seven, moonwalkers, and others, one page, 8 x 10.5, no date [early 1960s]. An “open letter” expressing the astronauts’ wish to see rocketry pioneer Robert Goddard (1882–1945) honored on a U.S. postage stamp. In full: “Every discipline of science has one man who is considered the “father” of its contribution of knowledge. He either establishes the basic principles of the science or contributes a major breakthrough that revolutionizes the world in which man lives. Copernicus performed this task for astronomy, and Einstein filled this role for nuclear physics. We, the astronauts, consider Dr. Robert H. Goddard as the ‘father’ of American rocketry, and the pioneer who laid the cornerstone for the space age in which we now live and work. He knew that the principles of rocketry could open an entirely new world for man, just as the advent of aviation had already brought man new benefits. Since he was ahead of his time, the contributions which Goddard made to the space sciences were not realized for many years. But the vision he displayed in developing his primitive rockets paved the way for the giant boosters which launch heavy scientific payloads and man himself into space today. We believe that the accomplishments of Dr. Robert H. Goddard, as a great American, could fittingly be commemorated on the postage stamps of this nation. It would be a tribute to the man, and emphasize the increasingly important role science has in the development of the American standard of living.” Below the text, each of the astronauts has signed above his typed name: Neil Armstrong, Frank Borman, Scott Carpenter, Charles Conrad, Jr., Gordon Cooper, John A. Glenn, Jr., Virgil I. Grissom, James A. Lovell, James A. McDivitt, Walter M. Schirra, Jr., Elliot See, Alan B. Shepard, Jr., D.K. Slayton, Edward H. White, and John W. Young. The sheet also bears the autopen signature of Thomas P. Stafford. Goddard was finally honored with an eight-cent airmail stamp in 1964. Three of the signers would die by the end of the decade: See in the crash of a test flight in 1966, and White and Grissom in the infamous Apollo 1 capsule fire in the following year. In very fine, fresh condition. A superlative combination with a most extraordinary association! COA Scott Cornish and R&R COA.
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