Astronaut Autographs

Astronaut autographs are increasingly popular and therefore appreciating substantially in price. As such, they are also targets of forgers, both skilled and laughable. In addition, all NASA astronauts are issued autopen machines, and most made extensive use of these mechanical signatures. See our Astronaut Autograph Advice.

How can a customer be sure that our astronaut autographs are authentic?

1. We're experts. We've sold more authentic astronaut autographs than anyone, and so we recognize autopens (which are easy) and forgeries (which take an experienced eye.)

2. We know many of the astronauts on a first name basis, and they come to our gallery for public booksignings and (see:SIGNINGS) mail-in space memorabilia signings. Other astronaut autographs we obtain from other sellers, auctions, estate sales, etc. which we determine after careful study, to be authentic.

3. We supply many other astronaut autograph dealers with our goods, because they know our reputation, or are referred to us by the astronauts themselves (See: BuzzAldrin.com) Clients include Kennedy Space Center (compare prices) , and Space Center Houston in the USA, as well as several overseas outlets.

Astronaut autographs are a frequent target of forgers. Part of the reason is that some prominent astronauts refuse to sign anymore, making their autographs extremely desirable and worth the attention of both inept and expert forgers. Neil Armstrong, for example, is the most sought-after autograph of any living person. He steadfastly refuses to sign, but signed many things in the past, making a thriving secondary market, and providing many "exemplars" for the experienced forger to copy, at over $2500 apiece. Easy money.

Online auction houses are an easy mark for these items. Although some good astronaut autographs may be had there, it is a scary place for the inexperienced autograph collector. eBay abounds with bad forgeries, but because of its "buyer beware" hands-off policy, customers have little recourse. For the best online auction house where sellers and goods are screened for honesty and authenticity, see our own 24/7 ASTRO-AUCTION.

Customers refer to us as "Astronaut Central," because of our frequent visits by the astronauts. You can be secure in the fact that your astronaut autograph from Novaspace is authentic. Please see Signings reports for photos of the astronauts' recent visits.

CERTIFICATES OF AUTHENTICITY

We issue a certificate of authenticity with each purchase of an astronaut-autographed piece, but as you may know these are just pieces of paper unless backed up by someone substantial. Anyone can print up a certificate of authenticity and many folks think it is some sort of legal document, which it isn't. Our certificates are so highly regarded, however, that they have been known to be forged themselves!

HOW DID WE GET TO KNOW THE ASTRONAUTS?

Kim Poor, founder of Novaspace, was a well-known space artist. While traveling to art shows and fairs in Texas, he met Apollo 12 astronaut turned artist Alan Bean. Kim began to include Bean's limited edition prints in his mail order catalogs, and later in his gallery. Kim's success and integrity impressed Bean, and he recommended him to Gene Cernan, another Apollo astronaut and fellow Houstonian who was looking to sell some astronaut autographed photos given to him. It grew from there, with booksignings and then various astronaut signings at Novaspace.

Currently Gene Cernan is selling years of space memorabilia on the Cernan Garage Sale on Novaspace's Astro Auction .