Amazing diagram handout of a prospective flight path from Earth to Mars, 11 x 8.5, dated November 15, 1985, signed in black ink by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, and in black ballpoint by Carl Sagan and Kathryn D. Sullivan. This sheet was one of several distributed to special attendees at a private Mars discussion ‘breakout session’ held as part of the National Commission on Space (NCOS) conference at Stanford University on November 19-20, 1985. Also included with the diagram is an ink signature of Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space, on an off-white 4 x 6 sheet. In overall fine condition.
The multi-signed diagram and the Ride sheet are accompanied by full letters of authenticity from Zarelli Space Authentication, and a detailed letter of provenance from the recipient, a faculty member of Stanford University in the Staff Development Department, who writes: “I read in the Stanford Daily newspaper that the National Commission on Space (NCOS) was holding a commission meeting at Stanford University…The first day lectures and discussions were fascinating and about manned Spaceflight, Space Technology, the Space Station, and Exploring the Cosmos.
On November 20, the second day, I returned to the Durand Building and entered an elevator to go to the second floor. There was one person in the elevator who immediately looked up and said hello and asked about my experience attending the NCOS meeting. I was very surprised to suddenly realize that it was Carl Sagan! We spoke briefly and I told him I was fascinated by what I was learning to which he said, ‘Wonderful, please come with me if you would like, I think you will enjoy this discussion.’
We walked down a hallway to a corner conference room where there were approximately 12-15 people sitting around tables. Mr. Sagan was greeted warmly by his colleagues. I soon learned that this was a breakout session, and the conversation was about space flight to Mars. I was given the diagram of the space journey to Mars…From the ensuing conversation I was awestruck to find the discussions included Carl Sagan, and famed astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Kathryn D. Sullivan!
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin sat near each other at the front of the room with Carl Sagan on one side and Kathryn D. Sullivan on the other. The conversations ranged from visionary to technical possibilities while often referring to the Mars journey diagram each of us had. The dynamic was more questions and responses to each other which became both serious and lighthearted at times. I sat in rapt attention as I experienced what I felt was collaboration in its highest form.”
Also included is an assortment of materials related to the NCOS commission meeting held in the Durand Building of Stanford University, including the original two-page meeting agenda, the consignor’s handwritten meeting notes, an NCOS “Reserved” room sign for the Mars discussion meeting, a two-page NCOS facts sheet, an image of the NCOS meeting speakers, copies of presentations given by Ronald N. Bracewell and Von R. Eshkeman (the latter three produced by Tracy Grimm of Purdue University Archives), and copies of newspaper articles from The Stanford Daily.
