Signed ASTP Mission Photograph with Vodka A color photograph

Sale 2142 - Lot 257

Price Realized: $ 245

?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price

Estimate: $ 300 - $ 400

AN OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD VODKA TOASTSigned ASTP Mission Photograph with Vodka! A color photograph of Tom Stafford and Deke Slayton inside the Soyuz spacecraft having a meal during the first crew transfer. Each is holding a liquid container labeled: "EXTRA VODKA" in Russian. Approximately 9x7 inches mounted in a 14x11 inch matted frame. Plus a copy of an article from "Soviet Life" magazine titled "What's for Dinner in Space" which refers to Aleksei Leonov's request for borscht to be flown. Borscht was used instead of Vodka in these containers as a joke on the Americans. NASA/JSC, 1975

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During training sessions in Houston and Star City, both crews repeatedly promised each other that they would find a way to mark this historic event during the flight with an "Out of this World Vodka Toast." NASA had strict regulations against carrying any alcoholic beverages on space missions, however. Cosmonauts Leonov and Kubasov pulled a gag on Stafford and Slayton during the first crew transfer providing containers labeled as "extra vodka." The containers were actually filled with borscht (beet soup). In the photograph, Slayton appears disappointed. Whether or not they fulfilled their promise to toast this event with vodka remains their secret to this day. The mat is signed "Best Wishes, General Tom Stafford" and signed by D.K. Slayton. Presented as a gift to Forostenko. With a Typed Letter signed by Forostenko giving additional details.