NASA FACTS BOOKLET MAGELLAN signed by astronaut NORM THAGARD BECKETT CERTIFICATE T42701  The Magellan spacecraft, also referred to as the Venus Radar Mapper, was a 1,035-kilogram (2,282 lb) robotic space probe launched by NASA of the United States, on May 4, 1989, to map the surface of Venus by using synthetic aperture radar and to measure the planetary gravitational field. The Magellan probe was the first interplanetary mission to be launched from the Space Shuttle, the first one to use the Inertial Upper Stage booster for launching, and the first spacecraft to test aerobraking as a method for circularizing its orbit. Magellan was the fifth successful NASA mission to Venus, and it ended an eleven-year gap in U.S. interplanetary probe launches. STS-30 was the 29th NASA Space Shuttle mission and the fourth mission for Space Shuttle Atlantis. It was the fourth shuttle launch since the Challenger Disaster and the first shuttle mission since the disaster to have a female astronaut on board. The mission launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on 4 May 1989, and landed four days later on 8 May. During the mission, Atlantis deployed the Venus-bound Magellan probe into orbit. This was Norm Thagard's third spaceflight.

This NASA Facts booklet for the Magellan mission is a must-have for any space enthusiast. It features an autograph from astronaut Norm Thagard, making it a rare and unique item. The autograph has been authenticated by BECKETT CERTIFICATE T42701, ensuring its authenticity.

The booklet measures 11" x 8.5" and is a modified item, with the autograph being the modification description. This original item was manufactured in the United States and is a perfect addition to any space or autograph collection. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own this one-of-a-kind piece of history.

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