Oct 22 2009
The 2009 Astronaut Autograph & Memorabilia Show
I have a rather unique “convention” to share with you all today. The 2009 Astronaut Autograph & Memorabilia Show is a collection of some of the most famous living astronauts, along with three actors from Star Trek: The Next Generation, all sitting together and signing autographs and meeting fans.
This isn’t the first time Kennedy Space Center (KSC) has done an event like this. Star Trek, after all, has almost always had a relationship with the United States’ space program. (I actually attended their “Star Trek Day” event back in the 90s.)
This 2009 Astronaut Autograph & Memorabilia Show is being held November 6–8, 2009 at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. According to the official website:
All proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, who aids the United States in retaining its world leadership in science and technology by providing scholarships to exceptional college students pursuing degrees in these fields. Cost of the ticket packages, over fair market value, is considered a charitable donation.
If you just want to get into the autograph show, it’s only $10 (on top of a KSC entry fee). However, if you want to partake in any of the other events, you will be paying a minimum of $100 (plus KSC entry fee).
Ticket packages range in price from $1000 (sold out) to the aforementioned $100. The reason for the wide variation is that this convention is offering two very special events: “Apollo 13 VIP Lunch Experience” with Jim Lovell and Fred Haise, and Apollo 12 40th Anniversary Gala. You can purchase a package which includes these events, or purchase them separately. Some of these packages also include a KSC annual pass.
As for the autograph side of this event, the prices being charged are widely different from person to person. For example, astronaut Hank Hartsfield is charging $20 for an autograph, whereas astronaut Tom Stafford is charging $275. And those are just the “base fees.” If you want an item personalized, there can be a charge as high as $10 a word.
I get that this is an even for charity and all, and I understand that that’s why the special event tickets are so expensive. But these autograph prices just seem… well… excessive. The website says that it’s the “proceeds from ticket sales” that benefit charity, and it says nothing about the proceeds from autograph sales.
I will say that this event boasts an impressive guest list. I’m no astronaut aficionado, but even I recognize a lot of the names on this list, which includes Buzz Aldrin, Alan Bean, Ed Gibson, Fred Haise, Hank Hartsfield, James Lovell, Rusty Schweickart, Dave Scott, Rick Searfoss, just to name a few. They are being joined by Trek actors LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, and Marina Sirtis.
Some of these ticket pages are already sold out, so if you have an interest in attending, you should strongly consider purchase tickets soon. For more information about this event, call 321-455-7014 or email ASF@AstronautScholarship.org.
