Space Medals

[SPACECADET1983]

Just a note for Space Medal enthusiasts: retired Soviet/Russian Cosmonaut and Air Force General Alexei Arkhipovich Leonov, Twice Hero of the Soviet Union, who, on March 18, 1965, became the first human to walk in Space and later commanded the Soviet side of the Apollo-Soyuz mission, Soyuz 19, is in critical condition in a Russian hospital. Known for his warm personality and beautiful artwork Alexei was at one time considered part of the "Holy Trinity" of the Soviet Space Program along with Yuri Gagarin, the first man in Space, and Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in Space. He was chosen to be the first Soviet cosmonaut to circle the moon and later to be the first to land on it. The flight of Apollo 8 in December 1968 and repeated N-1 rocket problems put an end to Soviet manned lunar ambitions. He is 74. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. Get well soon, Alexei Arkhipovich!

[SPACECADET1983]

RegencySuperior will be holding a live auction on eBay on October 10th. For us Space Medal enthusiasts there's not much to get excited about except Lot 668 - 1970s Soviet Table Plaques (or Commemorative Medals) which consists of 27 multicolored (mostly), 2-sided enamel and metal emblems from various Soviet Space missions. The only picture shows two Mir Space Station medals, a Venera 7 medal, a joint Soviet-French InterCosmos medal, and 3 medals depicting the seal of the Soviet Union. The listing says these medals are "Strong in the 'LUNA' missions of the 1970s," but it would be nice to see more pictures. These popular medals frequently sell for $100.00+ each at auction or on the internet. Opening bid: $48.00. Estimated: $1,000 - $1,500. Should be fun to watch!
Note: Auction ended. Sold for $525.00 + S/H + 20% premium - a pretty good deal, but I would have liked to have seen more pictures of the medals!

[SPACECADET1983]

Soviet/Russian Space Program sleuth James Oberg (Red Star in Orbit) passed along a translated update on Alexei Leonov's condition earlier today:

"Aleksey Leonov has undergone an operation on his heart. Now his life is out of the danger, according to the physicians.

Let us recall, at the beginning of August the legendary pilot-cosmonaut Aleksey Leonov arrived in Burdenko hospital with pneumonia. Doctors did everything in order to help 74-year-old Aleksey [Arkhipovich], but his state, alas, was complicated - there arose serious problems with his heart. The famous space conquerer suffered an extensive myocardial infarction.

Aleksey [Arkhipovich] immediately was transferred into the department of resuscitation [intensive care], but physicians for a long time conferred in regard to this, they carried out consultations, fearing whether the cosmonaut would be well enough to undergo serious surgical intervention.

Finally, for Aleksey [Arkhipovich] they decided to appoint the course of drug treatment. It gave results - Leonov became more at rest. But the disease of his heart progressed, and this week the doctors again were gathered to the consultation. At this time they decided that it couldn't be delayed.

Aleksey [Arkhipovich] underwent coronarography - a fairly serious operation, which fortunately passed without complications.

Now the legendary cosmonaut has been transferred into the cardiology ward.

Good news! Godspeed, Alexei Arkhipovich!

[ericlida]

Mike
Thanks for letting us know and good news.

[SPACECADET1983]

Here's a beautiful Yuri Gagarin First Man in Space Gold Medal listed on an upcoming eBay live auction on September 17th. The medal is made of .900 gold (21.6 karat). Size: 29mm. Quantity: 936 pieces. Minted in 1964 at the Moscow Mint. Also included is a silver medal with a similar design, except the reverse simply lists the date of "April 12, 1961." Size: 25mm. Quantity: 3,516 pieces. Opening bid: $240.00 (increased from $220.00) Estimate: $1.00 - $1,000,000.00 - I'd sure hate to pay the Buyer's Premium on a million dollars! A rare set for someone to pickup!
29049: 1961 First Man in Space Gold and Silver Medals - eBay (item 170258951364 end time Sep-17-08 23:00:00 PDT)
Note: Auction ended. Sold for $325.00 + S/H + 20% Buyer's Premium!

[SPACECADET1983]

Here's a medal commemorating the Engeria Launch Vehicle's first flight. Size: 40mm. It is on a Russian auction site. I'll try my hand at translating the reverse tomorrow. This is the first medal I've seen commemorating the Energia LV's first flight.
Note: Auction ended. Sold for $39.21 + S/H. Thank you, Eric, for helping me win this medal!

[Lapa]

SpaceCadet,

OK, I'll refrain then from translating it. Just waiting for tomorrow

Marc

[SPACECADET1983]

Originally Posted by Lapa

SpaceCadet,

OK, I'll refrain then from translating it. Just waiting for tomorrow

Marc

Marc,

If you'll translate it for me I'd be most grateful!

Thank you!
Mike

[ericlida]

Mike
I can do it for you
Obverse: "May 15, 1987 21 hours 30 min Cosmodrome Baikonur"
Reverse: "The medallion is made from a metal of the rocket-carrier Energy"

[SPACECADET1983]

Thank you, Eric!
I've never seen an Energia first flight medal of any kind. This one is obviously very rare.