Russian Cosmonauts

Soviet Cosmonauts Valentina Tereshkova & Valery Bykovsky Signed Photo


Vostok Space Program cosmonauts Valery Bykovsky (born 1934) and Valentina Tereshkova (born 1937) signed period photograph, circa early 1960s. Signatures are bold and dark and inscribed in Cyrillic letters at bottom. In near fine condition. The textured semi-glossy black and white photograph measures 6" x 4.5".


Both the United States and the Soviet Union developed their space programs in the 1950s, spurred on by Cold War antagonism and anxiety. The Soviet Union launched its Vostok space program in 1961, conducting six missions -- and achieving many firsts -- during the next two years. Its successor, the Voskhod space program, ran from 1964-1965, and the Soyuz program continued after that.


Bykovsky and Tereshkova were members of the Vostok space program. The first candidates considered for the space program were male, between the ages of 25-30, within specific height and weight parameters, and physically fit. They endured a battery of tests that measured physical and psychological endurance as well as technical skills. Most of the cosmonauts had previously served in the Soviet Air Force. Of more than 200 candidates, only 20 were chosen. Bykovsky was a 25-year-old Senior Lieutenant in the Soviet Air Force when he was selected for the elite program. He flew three manned space missions in 1963, 1976, and 1978.


Tereshkova, a member of the female cosmonaut corps, was one of five female cosmonauts winnowed down from over 400 candidates. She became the first woman in space when she commanded the Vostok 6 mission in 1963.


The photo showing the pair is appropriate, as Bykovsky and Tereshkova commanded consecutive space missions. Bykovsky had orbited two days before Tereshkova, and landed three hours after her return. Both cosmonauts communicated while airborne over radio, and at one point, their spacecraft were only a few miles apart.


This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.


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