This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/18/2025
[SOVIET SPACE PROGRAM]. [GAGARIN, Yuri (1934-1968) and KOROLEV, Sergei (1907-1966), association]. Photo Commemorating the Launch of Molniya 1, Signed by Gagarin and Korolev. [Soviet Union, ca. 1965]. Tinted photo depicting the first Soviet communications satellite, Molniya 1, in orbit over the Earth, “[translated from the Russian] 1965 14 October Launch of the Communication Satellite “Molniya 1" Apogee 40000 KM, Perigee 500 KM". Approximately 5 ½ x 8". A bit toned, else fine. Signed by Gagarin and Korolev on the photo in blue ink (Korolev's signature a bit smudged at the left). Fine. SIGNED BY TWO LEGENDARY FIGURES. Gagarin was the first man to be launched into space and orbit the Earth (in Vostok 1 in 1961); Korolev was the legendary rocket designer who worked on Sputnik 1; he also worked on the design of the spacecraft that launched the first living creature (Laika the dog) into space, the first spacewalk (by Alexei Leonov), and, of course, Vostok 1.